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Tax-free Ethanol

While ethanol is commonly used in research applications, regulatory guidelines regarding its purchase, storage, handling, and transport exist that we aim to facilitate safely and legally. A high-level summary of the relevant federal requirements can be provided upon request.

SEAS Science Operations (SciOps) oversees the acquisition of tax-exempt ethanol for research conducted at SEAS. We aim to help researchers obtain ethanol that complies with all applicable regulations while supporting their experimental needs. Note that only SciOps can select the tax-free option for buy-to-pay orders. However, groups may independently purchase taxed ethanol if they prefer.

Cambridge researchers can obtain ethanol directly from the VWR stockroom as needed. For Allston researchers, where the VWR stockroom is not convenient, we want to help ensure your research progresses smoothly while prioritizing everyone’s safety. Proper procedures are key when transporting flammable materials like ethanol. Please refer to the outlined ordering process below. 

When storing flammable materials, please verify adequate storage capacity and safety features by consulting our EHS team at maryam_borton@harvard.edu. Proper material handling, storage, and compliance with regulations are paramount to ensuring community safety. 

To place an order for tax-free ethanol delivery to SEC/Allston, simply follow these steps:

  1. Fill out this form: Tax-Free Ethanol Request Form
  2. SEAS SciOps will create an order in B2P and assign the cart to you (or your designee).
  3. You will then complete your order by adding the following:
  • The Cart Name should show the date, PI, and “tax-free ethanol.” (ex: “2024-03-01 Greer tax-free ethanol”).
  • Business Purpose should include “VWR Tax-Free Ethanol.”
  • Check your SEC/Allston mailing address and room number for delivery.
  • Include your 33-digit billing account string.
  1. Finally, submit your order to B2P for processing.

Are you a researcher who does not have access to B2P and needs to place an order?  If so, question 10 in the Qualtrics form allows you to assign someone else (your designee) to finalize the order in B2P for you. 

  • Once the requisition/request has been approved, the vendor will send you or your designee a copy of the order confirmation and the estimated delivery date. 

If you are an admin ordering for a group for research purposes, you can fill out the Qualtrics form and identify yourself as the designee in question 10. SEAS SCIOPS will assign you the cart in B2P.

  • If the researcher fills out the form and identifies you as the designee in the Qualtrics form, SEAS SCIOPS will assign the cart to you. 
  • When the cart is assigned to you, please include the 33-digit billing code in the requisition and submit the requisition for further approval within B2P. 
  • Upon completing this process, you or the person receiving the item will receive an order confirmation from the vendor, including the estimated delivery date.

We understand the importance of timely progress for critical research projects. If a shipment holdup delays your work, SciOps may be able to source ethanol directly from our local stockroom in Cambridge to keep you on schedule. Coordinating an on-campus delivery would require complying with transportation procedures, but it may offer a faster alternative to waiting. Note: This is the only approved option in urgent cases. To explore this option, contact the SciOps team at your earliest convenience so we can review any logistics. Our goal is to actively support the success of vital science wherever possible while maintaining rigorous safety standards.