Title 27—Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms--Volume 1
PART 41—IMPORTATION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, CIGARETTE PAPERS AND TUBES, AND PROCESSED TOBACCO
§ 41.1   Importation of tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and processed tobacco.
This part contains regulations relating to tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and processed tobacco imported into the United States from a foreign country or brought into the United States from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States.
§ 41.11   Meaning of terms.
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, the following terms shall have the meanings given in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words indicating the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude things not listed which are in the same general class.
Administrator. The Administrator, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC.
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.41, Delegation of the Administrator's Authorities in 27 CFR Part 41, Importation of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes.
Bank. Any commercial bank.
Banking day. Any day during which a bank is open to the public for carrying on substantially all its banking functions.
Business day. Any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. (The term legal holiday includes all holidays in the District of Columbia and, in the case of bonded manufacturers in Puerto Rico, all legal holidays in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.)
Bonded manufacturer. A manufacturer of tobacco products in Puerto Rico who has an approved bond, in accordance with the provisions of this part, authorizing him to defer the payment in Puerto Rico on the internal revenue tax imposed on such products by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a) as provided in this part.
CFR. The Code of Federal Regulations.
Chewing Tobacco. Any leaf tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
Cigar. Any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or in any substance containing tobacco (other than any roll of tobacco which is a cigarette within the meaning of paragraph (2) of the definition for cigarette).
Cigarette. (1) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco, and
(2) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette described in paragraph (1) of this definition.
Cigarette paper. Paper, or any other material except tobacco, prepared for use as a cigarette wrapper.
Cigarette tube. Cigarette paper made into a hollow cylinder for use in making cigarettes.
Commercial bank. A bank, whether or not a member of the Federal Reserve System, which has access to the Federal Reserve Communications System (FRCS) or Fedwire. The “FRCS” or “Fedwire” is a communications network that allows Federal Reserve System member banks to effect a transfer of funds for their customers (or other commercial banks) to the Treasury Account at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.
Computation or computed. When used with respect to the tax on tobacco products of Puerto Rican manufacture, computation or computed shall mean that the bonded manufacturer has ascertained the quantity and kind (small cigars, large cigars, small cigarettes, large cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco) of tobacco products and the sale price of large cigars being shipped to the United States; that adequate bond has been posted to cover the payment, in Puerto Rico, of the tax on such products to be deferred under subpart G of this part; that the tax imposed on such products by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a) has been calculated; that the bonded manufacturer has executed an agreement to pay the internal revenue tax which will become due with respect to such products, as provided in this part; and that a TTB officer has verified and executed a certification of such calculation.
Customs officer. An officer of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or any agent or other person authorized by law to perform the duties of such an officer.
Determine. To establish enough information about taxable products at the time of removal to calculate the tax, specifically the quantity (pounds or number) and kind (for example, cigarettes, snuff, paper tubes). Where the tax rate depends on additional information (such as number of cigarette papers to a set before 1/1/2000 or sale price of large cigars), that information must also be established as part of tax determination.
Electronic fund transfer or EFT. Any transfer of funds effected by a bonded manufacturer's commercial bank, either directly or through a correspondent banking relationship, via the Federal Reserve Communications System (FRCS) or Fedwire to the Treasury Account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Export warehouse. A bonded internal revenue warehouse for the storage of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, upon which the internal revenue tax has not been paid or for the storage of processed tobacco, for subsequent shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
Export warehouse proprietor. Any person who operates an export warehouse.
Factory. The premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products, cigarette papers or tubes, or processed tobacco in which he carries on such business.
Fiscal year. The period which begins October 1 and ends on the following September 30.
HTS. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, as published by the United States International Trade Commission.
Importer. Any person in the United States to whom non-taxpaid tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, or any processed tobacco manufactured in a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States are shipped or consigned; any person who removes cigars for sale or consumption in the United States from a customs bonded manufacturing warehouse; and any person who smuggles or otherwise unlawfully brings tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, or any processed tobacco into the United States.
Large cigarettes. Cigarettes weighing more than three pounds per thousand.
Large cigars. Cigars weighing more than three pounds per thousand.
Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes. Any person who manufactures cigarette paper, or makes up cigarette paper into tubes, except for his own personal use or consumption.
Manufacturer of processed tobacco. Any person who processes any tobacco other than tobacco products.
Manufacturer of tobacco products. (1) Any person who manufactures cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco, other than:
(i) A person who produces tobacco products solely for that person's own consumption or use; or
(ii) A proprietor of a customs bonded manufacturing warehouse with respect to the operation of such warehouse.
(2) The term “Manufacturer of tobacco products” includes any person who for commercial purposes makes available for consumer use (including such consumer's personal consumption or use under paragraph (1)(i) of this definition) a machine capable of making cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products. A person making such a machine available for consumer use shall be deemed the person making the removal with respect to any tobacco products manufactured by such machine. A person who sells a machine directly to a consumer at retail for a consumer's personal home use is not making a machine available for commercial purposes if such machine is not used at a retail premises and is designed to produce tobacco products only in personal use quantities.
Package. The immediate container in which tobacco products, processed tobacco, or cigarette papers or tubes are put up by the manufacturer or the importer (prior to release from customs custody) and offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer. For purposes of this definition, a container of processed tobacco, the contents of which weigh 10 pounds or less (including any added non-tobacco ingredients or constituents), that is removed within the meaning of this part for any purpose other than destruction, export, delivery as a sample to a manufacturer of processed tobacco or tobacco products for the purpose of soliciting orders of processed tobacco, or for scientific testing or testing of equipment that results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco, is deemed to be a package offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer. For appropriate tax rate, see § 41.30.
Packaging. When used in the context of an action, the act of placing processed tobacco or a tobacco product in a package.
Person. An individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, estate, or trust.
Pipe tobacco. Any tobacco which because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco to be smoked in a pipe.
Port Director of Customs. The director of any port or port of entry as defined in 19 CFR 101.1. A list of customs service ports and ports of entry is set forth in 19 CFR 101.3.
Processed tobacco. Processed tobacco is any tobacco that has undergone processing, but does not include tobacco products. For purposes of this definition, the processing of tobacco does not include the farming or growing of tobacco or the handling of tobacco solely for sale, shipment, or delivery to a manufacturer of tobacco products or processed tobacco, nor does the processing of tobacco include curing, baling, or packaging activities. For purposes of this definition, the processing of tobacco includes, but is not limited to, stemming (that is, removing the stem from the tobacco leaf), fermenting, threshing, cutting, or flavoring the tobacco, or otherwise combining the tobacco with non-tobacco ingredients.
Records. The accounts, books, correspondence, declarations, papers, statements, technical data, electronic media and the computer programs necessary to retrieve the stored information in a usable form, and other documents that:
(1) Pertain to any importation of tobacco products, cigarette papers or tubes, or processed tobacco, to the information contained in the documents required by law or regulation under the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, in connection with the importation or shipment of merchandise into the United States from Puerto Rico; and
(2) Are of the type normally kept in the ordinary course of business; and
(3) Are sufficiently detailed to:
(i) Establish the right to make the importation or shipment into the United States from Puerto Rico;
(ii) Establish the correctness of any importation or shipment into the United States from Puerto Rico;
(iii) Determine the liability of any person for duties and taxes due, or which may be due, to the United States;
(iv) Determine the liability of any person for fines, penalties, and forfeitures; and
(v) Determine whether the person has complied with the laws and regulations administered by TTB and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and with any other documents required under laws or regulations administered by TTB and CBP.
Relanding. When used with reference to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, the term “relanding” means importing, bringing, or returning into the jurisdiction of the United States any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes that were manufactured in the United States, labeled or shipped for export (including to Puerto Rico) as prescribed in this chapter, and previously exported from the United States.
Removal or remove. When used with reference to tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or any processed tobacco, the term “removal” or “removed” means removal from the factory, release from internal revenue bond under 26 U.S.C. 5704, release from customs custody (including conditional release as defined in 19 CFR 141.0a(i)), and also includes the smuggling or other unlawful importation of such articles into the United States.
Roll-your-own tobacco. Any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes or cigars, or for use as wrappers thereof.
Sale price. The price for which large cigars are sold by the importer or United States manufacturer, determined in accordance with § 41.39 and used for computation of the excise tax.
Small cigarettes. Cigarettes weighing not more than three pounds per thousand.
Small cigars. Cigars weighing not more than three pounds per thousand.
Smokeless tobacco. Any chewing tobacco or snuff.
Snuff. Any finely cut, ground, or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
This chapter. Chapter I, title 27, Code of Federal Regulations.
Tobacco products. Cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco.
Treasury Account. The Department of the Treasury's General Account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
United States. When used in a geographical sense shall include only the States and the District of Columbia.
U.S.C. The United States Code.
§ 41.21   Forms prescribed.
(a) The Administrator is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by this part. When a return, form, claim, or other document called for under this part is required by this part, or by the document itself, to be executed under penalties of perjury, it shall be executed under penalties of perjury.
(b) Forms prescribed by this part are available for printing through the TTB Web site ( https://www.ttb.gov ) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 8970, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 41.22   Retention of records.
All records required to be kept under this part, including copies of claims and schedules, authorizations, notices of release, reports, and returns, shall be retained for three years following the close of the year in which filed or made, or in the case of an authorization, for three years following the close of the calendar year in which the operation under such authorization is concluded. Such records shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
§ 41.23   Authority of TTB officers to enter premises.
Any appropriate TTB officer may enter in the daytime any premises where tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes are produced or kept so far as it may be necessary for the purpose of examining such articles. When such premises are open at night, any appropriate TTB officer may enter them, while so open, in the performance of his official duties. The owner of such premises, or person having the superintendence of the same, who refuses to admit any appropriate TTB officer or permit him to examine such articles shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law for the offense.
§ 41.24   Interference with administration.
Whoever, corruptly or by force or threats of force, endeavors to hinder or obstruct the administration of this part, or endeavors to intimidate or impede any appropriate TTB officer acting in his official capacity, or forcibly rescues or attempts to rescue or causes to be rescued any property, after it has been duly seized for forfeiture to the United States in connection with a violation of the internal revenue laws, shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law.
§ 41.25   Disposal of forfeited, condemned, and abandoned tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes.
When any Federal, State, or local officer having custody of forfeited, condemned, or abandoned tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, upon which the Federal tax has not been paid, is of the opinion that the sale thereof will not bring a price equal to the tax due and payable thereon, and the expenses incident to the sale thereof, he shall not sell, nor cause to be sold, such articles for consumption in the United States. Where the articles are not sold, the officer may deliver them to a Federal or State hospital or institution (if they are fit for consumption) or cause their destruction by burning completely or by rendering them unfit for consumption. Where such articles are sold, they shall not be released by the officer having custody thereof until they are properly packaged and taxpaid, which tax shall be considered as a portion of the sales price. Except when the tax is to be paid to the Port Director of Customs or other authorized customs officer in accordance with customs regulations (19 CFR part 127) on sales of articles by customs officers, the payment of tax on those articles must be evidenced by presentation, to the officer having custody of the articles, of a receipt from the appropriate TTB officer showing such payment. In the case of such articles held by or for the Federal Government, the sale thereof shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Regulations of the General Services Administration, Title 1, Personal Property Management.
§ 41.26   Alternate methods or procedures.
An importer, on specific approval by the appropriate TTB officer as provided in this section, may use an alternate method or procedure in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this part. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated conditions, when he finds that—
(a) Good cause has been shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure,
(b) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure, and affords equivalent security to the revenue, and
(c) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law, and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part.
§ 41.27   Emergency variations from requirements.
The appropriate TTB officer may approve methods of operation other than as specified in this part, where he finds that an emergency exists and the proposed variations from the specified requirements are necessary, and the proposed variations—
(a) Will afford the security and protection to the revenue intended by the prescribed specifications,
(b) Will not hinder the effective administration of this part, and
(c) Will not be contrary to any provision of law.
§ 41.28   Penalties and forfeitures.
Anyone who fails to comply with the provisions of this part becomes liable to the civil and criminal penalties, and forfeitures, provided by law.
§ 41.29   Delegations of the Administrator.
The regulatory authorities of the Administrator contained in this part are delegated to appropriate TTB officers. These TTB officers are specified in TTB Order 1135.41, Delegation of the Administrator's Authorities in 27 CFR Part 41, Importation of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes. You may obtain a copy of this order by accessing the TTB Web site ( https://www.ttb.gov ) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 8970, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 41.30   Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco tax rates.
(a) Tax rates. Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(f) and (g), respectively:
* Prorate tax for fractions of a pound.
(b) Classification. (1) Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco, before removal subject to tax, must be put up in packages that conform to the requirements of § 41.71 and of § 41.72a or § 41.72b as appropriate.
(2) Any tobacco that has been processed and that is removed in a package, as that term is defined in § 41.11, that does not bear the notice for smokeless tobacco prescribed in § 41.72 or the notice for pipe tobacco prescribed in § 41.72a is deemed to be roll-your-own tobacco and subject to tax at the rate applicable to roll-your-own tobacco. A container of processed tobacco, the contents of which weigh 10 pounds or less (including any added non-tobacco ingredients or constituents), that is removed within the meaning of this part for any purpose other than destruction, export, delivery as a sample to a manufacturer of processed tobacco or tobacco products for the purpose of soliciting orders of processed tobacco, or for scientific testing or testing of equipment that results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco, is deemed to be a package offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer.
(3) Subject to paragraph (b)(4) of this section, any tobacco that has been processed and that is removed in a package, as that term is defined in § 41.11, is deemed to be roll-your-own tobacco and subject to tax at the rate applicable to roll-your-own tobacco, even though the package bears the notice required for pipe tobacco under § 41.72a, if:
(i) The package does not bear the declaration “pipe tobacco” in direct conjunction with, parallel to, and in substantially the same conspicuousness of type and background as the brand name each time the brand name appears on the package; or
(ii) The package or accompanying materials bear any representation that would suggest a use other than as pipe tobacco. The term 'accompanying materials' includes, but is not limited to, any point of sale advertising or other printed product communications issued by the manufacturer or importer of pipe tobacco products. In addition, the inclusion of cigarette papers or tubes in a package bearing a 'pipe tobacco' declaration will suggest a use other than pipe tobacco.
(4) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, importers may continue to remove products as pipe tobacco in packages that do not bear the declaration “pipe tobacco” in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section.
§ 41.31   Cigar tax rates.
(a) Cigars are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(a):
* For large cigars: Until March 31, 2009, the percentage tax rate applies when the sale price is $235.294 per thousand or less, and the flat tax rate applies when the sale price is more than $235.294 per thousand. On and after April 1, 2009, the percentage tax rate applies when the sale price is $763.222 or less per thousand cigars, and the flat tax rate applies when the sale price is more than $763.222 per thousand cigars.
(b) See § 41.39 of this part for rules concerning determination of sale price of large cigars.
(c) Cigars not exempt from tax under 26 U.S.C. chapter 52 and the provisions of this part which are removed but not intended for sale shall be taxed at the same rate as similar cigars removed for sale.
§ 41.32   Cigarette tax rates.
Cigarettes are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(b):
§ 41.33   Smokeless tobacco tax rates.
Smokeless tobacco products are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(e):
* Prorate tax for fractions of a pound.
§ 41.34   Cigarette papers.
Cigarette papers are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(c):
* Tax rate for less than 50 papers is the same. The tax is not prorated.
§ 41.35   Cigarette tubes.
Cigarette tubes are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(d):
* Tax rate for less than 50 tubes is the same. The tax is not prorated.
§ 41.37   [Reserved]
§ 41.38   Cigarettes.
For internal revenue tax purposes, small cigarettes are designated Class A and large cigarettes are designated Class B.
§ 41.39   Determination of sale price of large cigars.
The tax imposed on large cigars is computed based on the sale price (the price for which the large cigars are sold by the importer or United States manufacturer). In addition to money, goods or services exchanged for cigars may be considered as part of the sale price. See § 40.22(b) of this chapter for information on determining the sale price in special cases. See § 41.40 of this chapter regarding liability for tax on large cigars, not put up in packages, released from customs custody without payment of tax for delivery to a domestic manufacturer of tobacco products.
§ 41.40   Persons liable for tax.
The importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes is liable for the internal revenue taxes imposed thereon by 26 U.S.C. 5701 or 7652, except when tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes imported or brought into the United States (other than those previously exported and returned) are released from customs custody, without payment of tax as provided under 26 U.S.C. 5704(c). Under section 5704(c), tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, imported or brought into the United States, may be released from customs custody, without payment of tax, for delivery to the proprietor of an export warehouse, or to a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes if such articles are not put up in packages. Under these circumstances the transferee will become liable for the internal revenue tax on these articles upon release from customs custody, and the importer will thereupon be relieved from the liability for the tax. However, if the transferee is also the importer, the importer will not be relieved from the liability for the tax.
§ 41.41   Determination and payment of tax.
Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported or brought into the United States, on which internal revenue taxes are due and payable, are not eligible for release from customs custody until those taxes have been determined.
§ 41.50   Exemptions.
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C. 1202) and the customs regulations (19 CFR chapter I) provide for certain exemptions from internal revenue taxes with respect to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported into the United States. These exemptions include, but are not limited to, certain importations in passengers' baggage, for use of crew members, and by foreign officials. Persons importing tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes as described in this section are not required to obtain a permit.
§ 41.60   Assessment.
Whenever any person required by law to pay internal revenue tax on tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes fails to pay such tax, the tax shall be ascertained and assessed against such person, subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 6501. The tax so assessed shall be in addition to the penalties imposed by law for failure to pay such tax when required. Except in cases where delay may jeopardize collection of the tax, or where the amount is nominal or the result of an evident mathematical error, no such assessment shall be made until and after notice has been afforded such person to show cause against assessment. The person will be allowed 45 days from the date of such notice to show cause, in writing, against such assessment.
§ 41.62   Customs collection of internal revenue taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported or brought into the United States.
Internal revenue taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported or brought into the United States, which are to be paid to the Port Director of Customs or other authorized customs officer, in accordance with this part, must be collected, accounted for, and deposited as internal revenue collections by the Port Director of Customs in accordance with customs procedures and regulations.
§ 41.63   Payment of tax by electronic fund transfer.
(a) Each importer who was liable, during a calendar year, for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on cigars, cigarettes, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 40 of this chapter, shall use a commercial bank in making payment by electronic fund transfer (EFT) of such taxes during the succeeding calendar year. Payment of such taxes by cash, check, or money order is not authorized for an importer who is required, by this section, to make remittances by EFT. For purposes of this section, the dollar amount of tax liability is defined as the gross tax liability on all taxable withdrawals and importations (including similar products brought into the United States from Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) during the calendar year, without regard to any drawbacks, credits, or refunds, for all premises from which such activities are conducted by the taxpayer.
(b) For the purposes of this section, a taxpayer includes a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563, and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4, except that the words “at least 80 percent” shall be replaced by the words “more than 50 percent” in each place it appears in subsection (a) of 26 U.S.C. 1563, as well as in the implementing regulations. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of determining who is required to make remittances by EFT.
(c) For the purposes of this section, (1) electronic fund transfer or EFT means any transfer of funds, other than a transaction originated by check, draft, or similar paper instrument, which is initiated through an electronic terminal, telephonic instrument, or computer of magnetic tape, so as to order, instruct, or authorize a financial institution to either debit or credit an account, in accordance with procedures established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and (2) electronic fund transfer or EFT does not have the meaning defined in § 41.11 for use elsewhere in this part.
(d) An importer who is required by this section to make remittances by EFT, shall make the EFT remittance in accordance with the requirements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
§ 41.71   Package.
All tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, except as provided in § 41.75, shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, be put up in packages which shall be of such construction as will securely contain the articles therein and maintain the notice thereon as required by this subpart. No package of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes shall have contained in, attached to, or stamped, marked, written, or printed thereon (a) any certificate, coupon, or other device purporting to be or to represent a ticket, chance, share, or an interest in, or dependent on, the event of a lottery, (b) any indecent or immoral picture, print, or representation, or (c) any statement or indication that United States tax has been paid. No person may purchase, receive, possess (except for personal consumption), offer for sale, or sell or otherwise dispose of, after removal, any tobacco products that are not put up in packages bearing the marks, labels, and notices, as required under this part.
§ 41.72   Notice for smokeless tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of chewing tobacco or snuff shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “chewing tobacco” or “snuff.” As an alternative, packages of chewing tobacco may be designated “Tax Class C,” and packages of snuff may be designated “Tax Class M.”
(b) Product weight. Every package of chewing tobacco or snuff shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement of the actual pounds and ounces of the product contained therein. As an alternative, the shipping cases containing packages of chewing tobacco or snuff may, before removal, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement, in pounds and ounces, of the total weight of the product, the tax class of the product, and the total number of the packages of product contained therein.
§ 41.72a   Notice for pipe tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of pipe tobacco shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely fixed thereto, the designation “pipe tobacco.”
(b) Product weight. Every package of pipe tobacco shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement of the actual pounds and ounces of the product contained therein.
§ 41.72b   Notice for roll-your-own tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of roll-your-own tobacco, before removal subject to tax, must have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it, the applicable designation “roll-your-own tobacco”, “cigarette tobacco”, “cigarette wrapper”, “cigar tobacco” or “cigar wrapper”.
(b) Product weight. Before removal subject to tax, roll-your-own tobacco must have a clear statement of the actual weight in pounds and ounces of the product in the package. This statement must be adequately imprinted on, or on a label securely affixed to, the package.
§ 41.72c   Package use-up rule.
(a) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, an importer of tobacco products may remove packages of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco that do not meet the requirements of § 41.72a(a) or § 41.72b(a), provided that such packages bear the designation “Tax Class L” (to designate pipe tobacco) or “Tax Class J” (to designate roll-your-own tobacco) and were in use prior to June 22, 2009.
(b) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, an importer may remove roll-your-own tobacco for which the applicable designation is “cigar tobacco,” “cigarette wrapper,” or “cigar wrapper” even if the packages of such products do not meet the requirements of § 41.72b.
§ 41.73   Notice for cigars.
Before removal subject to internal revenue tax, every package of cigars, except as provided in § 41.75, shall have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it—
(a) The designation “cigars”;
(b) The quantity of cigars contained in the package; and
(c) For small cigars, the classification of the product for tax purposes (i.e., either “small” or “little”).
§ 41.74   Notice for cigarettes.
Every package of cigarettes, except as provided in § 41.75, shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “cigarettes”, the quantity of such product contained therein; and the classification for tax purposes, i.e., for small cigarettes either “small” or “Class A”, and for large cigarettes, either “large” or “Class B”.
§ 41.75   Exemptions.
The provisions of this subpart requiring that tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes be put up in packages and that proper notice be placed on such packages shall not apply to imported tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes authorized to be released from customs custody, without payment of internal revenue tax, pursuant to § 41.50, and shall not apply to tobacco products imported in passengers' baggage, or by mail where the value does not exceed $250, where such products are solely for the personal consumption of the importer or for disposition as his bona fide gift.
§ 41.81   Taxpayment.
(a) General. This section applies to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes upon which internal revenue tax is payable and which are imported into the United States from a foreign country or are brought into the United States from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States. For provisions relating to restrictions on the importation of previously exported tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, see § 41.82.
(b) Method of payment. Except for articles imported or brought into the United States as provided in §§ 41.85 and 41.85a, the internal revenue tax must be determined before the tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are released from customs custody. The tax must be paid on the basis of a return, and the customs form (including any electronic transmissions) by which the tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are duty- and tax-paid to CBP will be treated as a return for purposes of this part.
(c) Required information. In the case of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported into the United States for consumption, the importer, if filing electronically, must file with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the information specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this section at the time of filing the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, along with any other information that is required by CBP to be filed with the entry or entry summary for purposes of determining and collecting the Federal excise tax and administering the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Any information required under paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this section that is required by, and filed with, CBP as part of the entry or entry summary for purposes of meeting CBP requirements will also satisfy the requirements of this section. Regardless of the method of filing, the importer must retain as a record the information required by this section, any information provided to CBP to meet CBP requirements, and any supporting documentation and make such records available upon request by the appropriate TTB officer or a customs officer.
(1) All tobacco products. For all tobacco products, the following information is required:
(i) The number of the tobacco product importer permit that is issued under subpart K of this part;
(ii) The employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the importer by the Internal Revenue Service and provided by the importer on its permit application to TTB made on TTB Form 5230.4;
(iii) The name and address of the ultimate consignee;
(iv) The information specific to each tobacco product set forth in paragraphs (c)(2) through (6) of this section.
(2) Cigarettes. For cigarettes, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide a description of the product for Internal Revenue Code purposes, including “cigarettes” and either “small” (or “class A”) or “large” (or “class B”) and must also provide the number of cigarettes.
(3) Cigars. For cigars, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide:
(i) The number of cigars imported under each Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) code number;
(ii) The description of the cigars for Internal Revenue Code purposes, including “cigars” and either “large” or “small”;
(iii) For large cigars with a sale price of $763.222 or less per 1,000, the number and sale price (the price for which sold by the importer) per 1,000 of such cigars; and
(iv) For large cigars with a sale price of more than $763.222 per 1,000, the number of such cigars.
(4) Smokeless tobacco. For smokeless tobacco, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide a description of the product for Internal Revenue Code purposes, as either “chewing tobacco” or “snuff” and will state the number of pounds and ounces or kilograms and grams of the product.
(5) Pipe tobacco. For pipe tobacco, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide a description of the product under the Internal Revenue Code, as “pipe tobacco,” and will also state the number of pounds and ounces or kilograms and grams of the product.
(6) Roll-your-own tobacco. For roll-your-own tobacco, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide a description of the product for Internal Revenue Code purposes, as “roll-your-own tobacco,” “cigarette tobacco,” “cigarette wrapper,” “cigar tobacco,” or “cigar wrapper.” The importer must also state the number of pounds and ounces or kilograms and grams of the product.
(7) Cigarette papers and cigarette tubes. For cigarette papers and cigarette tubes, the importer must provide:
(i) The classification of the product for Internal Revenue Code purposes, including either “cigarette papers” or “cigarette tubes” and an indication of whether the length of the papers or tubes is over 6 1/2 inches;
(ii) The employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the importer by the Internal Revenue Service;
(iii) The name and address of the ultimate consignee; and
(iv) The total taxable quantity of each.
(d) Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes released from customs custody and transferred in bond to a U.S. manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes (see §§ 41.85, 41.85a, or 41.135);
(2) Puerto Rican products on which the tax is prepaid or deferred (see subpart G); and
(3) Tax payments of cigars from class 6, customs bonded manufacturing warehouses (see § 41.151).
§ 41.82   Restrictions on tobacco products labeled for export.
(a) The provisions of this section apply to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in the United States and labeled for exportation under parts 40 and 44 of this chapter.
(b) Articles described in paragraph (a) of this section may be transferred to or removed from the premises of a manufacturer or an export warehouse proprietor only if such articles are being transferred or removed without tax as provided in this part.
(c) Articles described in paragraph (a) of this section may only be imported or brought into the United States, after their exportation, under the provisions of 26 U.S.C. 5704(d), by release from Customs custody for delivery to the original manufacturer of such tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or to the proprietor of an export warehouse authorized by such manufacturer to receive such articles. These products are transferred in bond and are released from Customs custody without payment of that part of the duty attributable to internal revenue tax.
(d) Articles described in paragraph (a) of this section that are not put up in packages may be imported or brought into the United States under 26 U.S.C. 5704(c) by release from Customs custody without payment of tax for delivery to the original manufacturer of such articles. However, because such articles are also eligible for release under 26 U.S.C. 5704(d), such articles will be treated as though released under section 5704(d), due to the penalty provisions in section 5761(c).
(e) Articles described in paragraph (a) of this section may not be sold or held for sale for domestic consumption in the United States unless such articles are removed from their export packaging and repackaged by the original manufacturer into new packaging that does not contain an export label. The new packages, marks and notices must conform to the requirements of 27 CFR part 40.
(f) The provisions of this section shall apply to articles labeled for export even if the packaging or the appearance of such packaging to the consumer of such articles has been modified or altered by a person other than the original manufacturer so as to remove or conceal or attempt to remove or conceal (including by placement of a sticker over) any export label.
(g) For purposes of this section, an article is labeled for export or contains an export label if it bears the mark, label, or notice required by § 44.185 of this chapter.
(h) For purposes of this section, references to exportation shall be treated as including a reference to shipment to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(i) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person who, when entering U.S. manufactured tobacco products labeled for export under parts 40 and 44 of this chapter, claims and is granted an exemption from duty and tax for such products under chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The quantity of tobacco products entered may not exceed the quantity limit imposed on such products under the applicable tariff provision. A traveler claiming an exemption under this subsection upon arrival at the border may voluntarily relinquish to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the time of entry any excess of such quantity without incurring the penalty under section § 41.83.
(j) For civil penalties and forfeiture provisions related to violations of this section, see § 41.83. For a criminal penalty applicable to any violation of this section see 26 U.S.C. 5762(b).
§ 41.83   Penalties and forfeiture for products labeled or shipped for export.
Except for the return of exported products that are specifically authorized under § 41.82(b) and (c):
(a) Every person who sells, relands, or receives within the jurisdiction of the United States any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes which have been labeled or shipped for exportation under parts 40 and 44 of this chapter;
(b) Every person who sells or receives such relanded tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes; and,
(c) Every person who aids or abets in such selling, relanding, or receiving, shall, in addition to the tax and any other penalty provided for in title 26 U.S.C., be liable for a penalty equal to the greater of $1,000 or 5 times the amount of the tax imposed by title 26 U.S.C. All tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes relanded within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be forfeited to the United States and destroyed. All vessels, vehicles and aircraft used in such relanding or in removing such products, papers, and tubes from the place where relanded, shall be forfeited to the United States.
(d) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person who, when entering U.S. manufactured tobacco products labeled for export, claims and is granted an exemption from duty and tax for such products under chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The quantity of tobacco products entered may not exceed the quantity limit imposed on such products under the applicable tariff provision. A traveler claiming an exemption under this subsection upon arrival at the border may voluntarily relinquish to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the time of entry any excess of such quantity without incurring the penalty under this section.
(e) For purposes of this section, references to exportation shall be treated as including a reference to shipment to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
§ 41.84   Entry for warehousing.
(a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, in the case of an entry for warehousing (that is, tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes transferred directly to a customs bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone), the last day for payment of the tax shall not be later than the 14th day after the last day of the semimonthly period during which the products are removed from the first such warehouse, even if the tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are removed from that customs bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone for transfer to another customs bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone.
(b) Entry for warehousing of products destined for export. Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes entered for warehousing and then removed for transfer to another custom bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone that are shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary to be destined for export.
§ 41.85   Release from customs custody of imported tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes.
(a) General. This section applies only to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes that are not put up into packages in which they will be sold to consumers. Subject to the requirements of § 41.86, the Port Director of Customs or authorized customs officer may release the following articles from customs custody without payment of internal revenue tax under the internal revenue bond of the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor to whom the articles are released:
(1) Tobacco products manufactured in a foreign country, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, for transfer to the bonded premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products or to the bonded premises of an export warehouse proprietor; and
(2) Cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in a foreign country, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, for transfer to the factory of manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, to an export warehouse proprietor, or to a manufacturer of tobacco products solely for use in the manufacture of cigarettes.
(b) Products from the Virgin Islands. In addition to the documentation required by § 41.86, in the case of products exported from the Virgin Islands the manufacturer also must file an extension of coverage of the internal revenue bond on TTB F 5000.18, and receive a notice of approval from the appropriate TTB officer, in order to obtain release under paragraph (a)(1) of this section. The extension of coverage must be executed by the principal and the surety and must be in the following form:
“Whereas the purpose of this extension is to bind the obligors for the purpose of the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(b), on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes exported from the Virgin Islands and removed from customs custody in the United States without payment of internal revenue tax, for delivery to the principal on said bond.”
“Now, therefore, the said bond is further specifically conditioned that the principal named therein must pay all taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(b) plus penalties, if any, and interest, for which he may become liable with respect to these products exported from the Virgin Islands and removed from customs custody in the United States without payment of internal revenue tax thereon, and must comply with all provisions of law and regulations with respect thereto.”
(c) Receipt by manufacturer. Articles received into the factory of a manufacturer under this section are subject to the requirements of part 40 of this chapter.
§ 41.85a   Release from customs custody of returned articles.
(a) Domestically manufactured tobacco products (classifiable under item 9801.00.80 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, 19 U.S.C. 1202) exported from and returned to the United States without change to the product or the shipping container may be released from customs custody in the United States, under the bond of the original manufacturer or of the export warehouse proprietor who has been authorized by the original manufacturer (see § 41.82), without payment of that part of the duty attributable to internal revenue tax, for delivery to the bonded premises of the original tobacco products manufacturer or to the bonded premises of the export warehouse proprietor.
(b) Domestically manufactured cigarette papers and tubes (classifiable under item 9801.00.80 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, 19 U.S.C. 1202) exported from and returned to the United States without change to the product or the shipping container may be released from customs custody in the United States, without payment of that part of the duty attributable to internal revenue tax, for delivery to the bonded premises of the original manufacturer of the cigarette papers and tubes or an export warehouse proprietor authorized by the original manufacturer to receive such products.
(c) Releases under this section must be in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 41.86. Once released, the tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes are subject to the tax and other provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52 and, as applicable, to the regulations in part 40 of this chapter as if they had not been exported or otherwise removed from internal revenue bond.
§ 41.86   Entry process for releases without payment of tax.
(a)(1) General. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in order for tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes to be released from customs custody without payment of tax under internal revenue bond, as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5704(c) or (d), the information required by this paragraph must be filed electronically with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The information must be filed with CBP at the time of filing the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, and it must be filed along with any other information that is required by CBP for purposes of determining and collecting the Federal excise tax and administering the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Any information required under paragraph (a)(2) of this section that is submitted to CBP as part of the entry or entry summary for purposes of meeting CBP requirements will also satisfy the requirements of this section. Regardless of the method of filing, the importer must retain as a record the information required by this section, any information provided to CBP for CBP purposes, and any supporting documentation and such records must be available for inspection upon request by the appropriate TTB officer or a customs officer.
(2) Information required. The manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or export warehouse proprietor who wishes to obtain the release of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must provide the following information, as applicable:
(i) The number of the permit issued under 27 CFR part 40 to the manufacturer of tobacco products or export warehouse proprietor, or the TTB-assigned number of the manufacturer of cigarette papers or tubes, to whom the products are shipped or consigned;
(ii) The employer identification number (EIN), assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, of the manufacturer of tobacco products, the manufacturer of cigarette papers or tubes, or the export warehouse proprietor to whom the products are shipped or consigned;
(iii) The name and address of the ultimate consignee, consistent with the name and address on the permit issued under part 40 of this chapter;
(iv) For tobacco products, the number of the permit, issued under subpart K of this part, of the importer;
(v) For tobacco products, the employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the importer by the Internal Revenue Service and provided to TTB by the importer on its permit application to TTB on TTB Form 5230.4;
(vi) A description of the product consistent with the tax classification of the product under the Internal Revenue Code as described in § 41.81 (for example, “large cigars”); and
(vii) The quantity of the product for Federal excise tax purposes, by sticks or by pounds and ounces (or kilograms and grams), as applicable.
(b) Releases without payment of tax —(1) Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes put up in packages. Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes put up in packages, as defined at § 41.11, may be released without payment of tax only for delivery to the proprietor of an export warehouse (as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5704(c)) or, if classified under chapter 98, subchapter I of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to duty on certain articles exported and returned), for delivery to the original manufacturer of such tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or to the proprietor of an export warehouse authorized by such manufacturer to receive them (as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5704(d)). If the information required in paragraph (a)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section is not filed with the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, or, if the information required in paragraph (c) of this section is not made available to CBP upon request, the tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are not eligible for release from customs custody without payment of tax, and no person may remove such products from customs custody without payment of tax.
(2) Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up in packages. Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up in packages, as defined at § 41.11, may not be released from customs custody subject to tax, and no person may obtain release of such products from customs custody. Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up on packages may be released from customs custody without payment of tax for delivery to the proprietor of an export warehouse, or to a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5704(c). As a result, if the information required in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section is not filed with the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, or, if the information required in paragraph (c) of this section is not made available to CBP upon request, tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up in packages are not eligible for release from customs custody for consumption, and no person may remove such product from customs custody.
(c) Filing on paper. A manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor who wants to obtain the release of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes from customs custody without payment of tax under its internal revenue bond, and who does not file electronically, must prepare a notice of release on TTB F 5200.11 and submit the form to the appropriate TTB officer in accordance with the instructions on the form. The appropriate TTB officer will certify on the TTB F 5200.11 that the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor has TTB authorization to receive the products. No one filing on paper may obtain release of the products under this section until they have received the TTB F 5200.11 certified by the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor must have possession of the TTB F 5200.11, bearing TTB certification, at the time the products are released from customs custody and must make the form available to a customs officer upon request at such time. After release of the products, the TTB F 5200.11 must be retained by the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor and made available to the appropriate TTB officer or a customs officer upon request.
§ 41.101   General.
(a) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in Puerto Rico which are brought into the United States and withdrawn for consumption or sale are subject to the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), at the rates set forth in 26 U.S.C. 5701.
(b) The excise taxes collected on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in Puerto Rico are covered into the Treasury of Puerto Rico. Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes are considered as manufactured in Puerto Rico for purposes of 26 U.S.C. 7652(a)(3) if the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in Puerto Rico, plus the direct costs of processing operations performed in Puerto Rico, equals or exceeds 50 percent of the value of the product when it is brought into the United States.
(c) The excise tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes of Puerto Rican manufacture may be prepaid in Puerto Rico prior to shipment of such articles to the United States in accordance with § 41.105. In the case of tobacco products such tax may be paid in Puerto Rico on the basis of a semi-monthly return in accordance with the applicable provisions of this subpart.
§ 41.105   Prepayment of tax.
To prepay, in Puerto Rico, the internal revenue tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a) on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes of Puerto Rican manufacture to be shipped to the United States, the shipper must file, or cause to be filed, a tax return, TTB F 5000.25, with full remittance of the tax which will become due on those products.
§ 41.106   Record of shipment by taxpayer.
(a) Shipments other than noncommercial mail shipments. The taxpayer must ensure that the tax has been prepaid on the tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes in each shipment. The taxpayer must identify the tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes by including on the bill of lading or similar record accompanying the shipment the following information:
(1) The marks and numbers on the shipping containers;
(2) The number of containers to be shipped;
(3) The kind of taxable article(s) to be shipped and the rate of tax applicable to each kind of article, as specified in §§ 41.30 through 41.35;
(4) The number of small cigarettes, large cigarettes, or small cigars to be shipped;
(5) The number and total sale price of large cigars having a sale price of not more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or a sale price of not more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, to be shipped;
(6) The number of large cigars having a sale price of more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or a sale price of more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, to be shipped;
(7) The pounds and ounces of chewing tobacco or snuff to be shipped;
(8) The pounds and ounces of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco to be shipped;
(9) The number of cigarette papers or tubes to be shipped;
(10) The amount of the tax paid for each kind of article under this subpart;
(11) The name and address of the consignee in the United States to whom the products are to be shipped; and
(12) A notation identifying the particular TTB F 5000.25 by which the taxes were prepaid.
(b) Noncommercial mail shipments. Noncommercial mail shipments of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes to the United States are exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, except that the taxpayer must provide a copy of the TTB F 5000.25 upon the request of an appropriate TTB officer.
§§ 41.107-41.108   [Reserved]
§ 41.109   Bond required for deferred taxpayment.
Where a manufacturer of tobacco products in Puerto Rico desires to defer payment in Puerto Rico of the internal revenue tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), on tobacco products of Puerto Rican manufacture coming into the United States, he shall file a bond, TTB F 5210.12, with the appropriate TTB officer, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. Such bond shall be conditioned on the payment, at the time and in the manner prescribed in this subpart, of the full amount of tax computed under the provisions of this subpart with respect to tobacco products which are released for shipment to the United States on computation of tax. All taxes which are computed under the provisions of this subpart shall be chargeable against the bond, until such taxes are paid, as provided in § 41.112. The bond shall show the location of the factory from which the tobacco products to which it relates are to be shipped.
§ 41.110   Record of tax computation and shipment by bonded manufacturer under deferred taxpayment.
Where tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes are to be shipped to the United States with deferred taxpayment, the bonded manufacturer must calculate the tax prior to shipment. The tax calculation must conform to the information on the bill of lading or a similar record accompanying the shipment, and the date of completing the bill of lading or similar record accompanying the shipment will be treated as the date of computation of the tax. Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes may be shipped to the United States in accordance with the provisions of this section only after computation of the tax. The bill of lading or similar record accompanying the shipment must include the following information:
(a) The marks and numbers on the shipping containers;
(b) The number of containers to be shipped;
(c) The kind of taxable article(s) to be shipped and the rate of tax applicable to each kind of article, as specified in §§ 41.30 through 41.35;
(d) The number of small cigarettes, large cigarettes, or small cigars to be shipped;
(e) The number and total sale price of large cigars having a sale price of not more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or a sale price of not more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, to be shipped;
(f) The number of large cigars having a sale price of more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or a sale price of more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, to be shipped;
(g) The pounds and ounces of chewing tobacco or snuff to be shipped;
(h) The pounds and ounces of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco to be shipped;
(i) The number of cigarette papers or tubes to be shipped;
(j) The amount of the tax to be paid for each kind of article under this subpart; and
(k) The name and address of the consignee in the United States to whom the products are to be shipped.
§ 41.111   Verification of bond and agreement to pay tax.
(a) Verification of bond. Prior to shipment of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes to the United States, the manufacturer must verify:
(1) That there is no default in payment of tax chargeable against the manufacturer's bond on TTB F 5210.12; and
(2) That the amount of the manufacturer's bond is sufficient or is in the maximum penal sum to cover the tax that will become due on the shipment.
(b) Agreement to pay tax. The shipment of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes by the bonded manufacturer serves as an agreement by the manufacturer to pay the tax on that shipment.
§ 41.112   Tax return.
The internal revenue taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), with respect to tobacco products manufactured in Puerto Rico and shipped to the United States on computation of tax under the provisions of this subpart shall be paid on the basis of a semimonthly tax return. The bonded manufacturer of such products shall prepare TTB Form 5000.25 in duplicate, and file the original with the appropriate TTB officer, and maintain one copy for the file for each semimonthly return period. The bonded manufacturer shall execute the return, TTB Form 5000.25, under the penalties of perjury. He shall file a return for each return period at the time specified in § 41.114, regardless of whether tax is due for that return period. However, where the appropriate TTB officer, grants specific authorization, the bonded manufacturer need not file a tax return during the term of such authorization for any period in which tax liability was not incurred under the provisions of this subpart.
§ 41.113   Return periods.
Except as otherwise provided in § 41.114, the periods to be covered in the semimonthly tax returns run from the 1st day of the month through the 15th day of that month, and from the 16th day of the month through the last day of that month.
§ 41.114   Time for filing.
(a) General rule. Semimonthly tax returns under this subpart shall be filed by the bonded manufacturer, for each return period, not later than the 14th day after the last day of the return period, except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section. The tax shall be paid in full by remittance at the time the return is filed as prescribed in § 41.115 or § 41.115a.
(b) Special rule for taxes due for the month of September. (1) Division of second semimonthly period. (i) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the second semimonthly period for the month of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 26th day, and from the 27th day through the 30th day. The bonded manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 16-26, no later than September 29. The bonded manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 27-30, no later than October 14.
(ii) Taxpayment not by electronic fund transfer. In the case of taxes for which remittance by electronic fund transfer (EFT) is not required by § 41.115a, the second semimonthly period of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 25th day, and from the 26th day through the 30th day. The bonded manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 16-25, no later than September 28. The bonded manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 26-30, no later than October 14.
(2) Amount of payment—Safe harbor rule. (i) General. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 29 is not less than 11/15ths (73.3 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.
(ii) Taxpayment not by EFT. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 28 is not less than 2/3rds (66.7 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.
(3) Weekend or holiday due date. If the required taxpayment due date for the period September 16-25 or September 16-26, as applicable, falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day. If the required due date falls on a Sunday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately following day.
(c) Postmark. If the return, and remittance as the case may be, are delivered by U.S. Mail to the appropriate TTB officer, the date of the official postmark of the U.S. Postal Service stamped on the cover in which the return, and remittance as the case may be, were mailed shall be treated as the date of delivery.
(d) Weekends and holidays. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, if the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
§ 41.114a   Qualification for extended deferral.
This section applies only to removals made before January 1, 1983.
(a) Bonded manufacturers with bonds executed before September 1, 1973. Bonded manufacturers with bonds on Form 2986 executed before September 1, 1973, who desire to file returns under this subpart with benefit of the extended deferral permitted by § 41.114 shall file with the appropriate TTB officer an extension of coverage of bond on Form 2105. Such extension of coverage shall identify the particular bond to which it applies and shall contain a statement of purpose as follows:
To continue in effect said bond (including all extensions or limitations of terms and conditions previously consented to and approved) notwithstanding that the time for payment of the tax may be deferred by the extended deferral period permitted by regulations in 27 CFR 41.114.
(b) Bonded manufacturers with bonds executed after September 1, 1973. Bonded manufacturers operating under original or superseding bonds executed after September 1, 1973, are automatically qualified for the extended deferral permitted by § 41.114 (unless found in default as provided in § 41.116). Such bonds must be executed in an amount sufficient to cover an extended deferral period, according to the requirements of § 41.121.
(c) Commencement of extended deferral. Bonded manufacturers may file returns with benefit of extended deferral only after the applicable bonds and extensions of coverage required by this section have been filed with and approved by the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 41.115   Remittance with return.
Remittance of the full amount of internal revenue tax computed during the return period shall accompany the return, except as prescribed in § 41.115a. Such remittance may be in any form the appropriate TTB officer is authorized to accept under the provisions of § 70.61 of this chapter (Payment by check or money order) and which is acceptable to that officer. In paying the tax, a fractional part of a cent shall be disregarded unless it amounts to one-half cent or more, in which case it shall be increased to one cent.
§ 41.115a   Payment of tax by electronic fund transfer.
(a) General. (1) Each taxpayer who was liable, during a calendar year, for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 40 of this chapter, shall use a commercial bank in making payment by electronic fund transfer (EFT) of taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes during the succeeding calendar year. Payment of taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes by cash, check, or money order, as described in § 41.115, is not authorized for a taxpayer who is required, by this section, to make remittances by EFT. For purposes of this section, the dollar amount of tax liability is defined as the gross tax liability of all taxes which are paid in accordance with this subpart, taxable withdrawals from premises in the United States, and importations during the calendar year, without regard to any drawbacks, credits, or refunds, for all premises from which such activities are conducted by the taxpayer. Overpayments are not taken into account in summarizing the gross tax liability.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a taxpayer includes a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563, and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4, except that the words “at least 80 percent” shall be replaced by the words “more than 50 percent” in each place it appears in subsection (a) of 26 U.S.C. 1563, as well as in the implementing regulations. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of determining who is required to make remittances by EFT.
(3) A taxpayer who is required by this section to make remittances by EFT, shall make a separate EFT remittance and file a separate tax return for each factory which tobacco products, or cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are withdrawn upon determination of tax.
(b) Requirements. (1) On or before January 10 of each calendar year, except for a taxpayer already remitting the tax by EFT, each taxpayer who was liable for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 40 of this chapter during the previous calendar year, shall notify, in writing, the appropriate TTB officer. The notice shall be an agreement to make remittances by EFT.
(2) For each return filed in accordance with this part, the taxpayer shall direct the taxpayer's bank to make an electronic fund transfer in the amount of the taxpayment to the Treasury Account as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. The request shall be made to the bank early enough for the transfer to be made to the Treasury Account by no later than the close of business on the last day for filing the return, prescribed in § 41.105 or § 41.114. The request shall take into account any time limit established by the bank.
(3) If a taxpayer was liable for less than five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes during the preceding calendar year, the taxpayer may choose either to continue remitting the tax as provided in this section or to remit the tax with the return as prescribed by § 41.115. On the first return on which the taxpayer chooses to discontinue remitting the tax by EFT and to begin remitting the tax with the tax return, the taxpayer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer by attaching a written notification to the tax return, stating that no taxes are due by EFT, because the tax liability during the preceding calendar year was less than five million dollars, and that the remittance shall be filed with the tax return.
(c) Remittance. (1) Each taxpayer shall show on the tax return, information about remitting the tax for that return by EFT and shall file the return with the appropriate TTB officer.
(2) Remittances shall be considered as made when the taxpayment by electronic fund transfer is received by the Treasury Account. For purposes of this section, a taxpayment by electronic fund transfer shall be considered as received by the Treasury Account when it is paid to a Federal Reserve Bank.
(3) When the taxpayer directs the bank to effect an electronic fund transfer message as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any transfer data record furnished to the taxpayer, through normal banking procedures, will serve as the record of payment, and shall be retained as part of required records.
(d) Failure to make a taxpayment by EFT. The taxpayer is subject to a penalty imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5761, 6651, or 6656, as applicable, for failure to make a taxpayment by EFT on or before the close of business on the prescribed last day for filing.
(e) Procedure. Upon the notification required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the appropriate TTB officer will issue to the taxpayer a TTB Procedure entitled, Payment of Tax by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). This publication outlines the procedure a taxpayer must follow when preparing returns and EFT remittances under this part.
§ 41.116   Default.
Where a check or money order tendered with a semimonthly return for payment of internal revenue tax under the provisions of this subpart is not paid on presentment, where a bonded manufacturer fails to remit with the semimonthly return the full amount of tax due thereunder, or where a bonded manufacturer is otherwise in default in payment of tax under the provisions of this subpart, he shall not ship tobacco products to the United States on computation of tax, until the appropriate TTB officer finds that the revenue will not be jeopardized by deferred payment of tax under the provisions of this subpart.
§§ 41.117-41.118   [Reserved]
§ 41.119   Corporate surety.
(a) Surety bonds, required under the provisions of this subpart, may be given only with corporate sureties holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury as acceptable sureties on Federal bonds. Limitations concerning corporate sureties are prescribed by the Secretary in the current revision of Treasury Department Circular 570 (Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies). The surety shall have no interest whatever in the business covered by the bond.
(b) Treasury Department Circular 570 is published in the Federal Register annually on the first business day in July, and supplemental changes are published periodically thereafter (see https://www.federalregister.gov ). The most recent circular and any supplemental changes to it may be viewed on the Bureau of the Fiscal Service website (see https://fiscal.treasury.gov ).
§ 41.120   Deposit of securities in lieu of corporate surety.
In lieu of corporate surety, the manufacturer of tobacco products in Puerto Rico may pledge and deposit, as security for his bond, securities which are transferrable and are guaranteed both as to interest and as to principal by the United States, in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225.
§ 41.121   Amount and account of bond.
(a) Bond amount. Except for the maximum and minimum amounts stated in this paragraph, the total amount of the bond or bonds required under this subpart must be in an amount not less than the amount of unpaid tax chargeable at any one time against the bond or bonds. The maximum and minimum amounts of such bond or bonds are as follows:
(b) Bond account. Where the amount of a bonded manufacturer's bond is less than the maximum amount prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section, the bonded manufacturer must maintain an account reflecting all outstanding taxes for which the manufacturer's bond is chargeable. A manufacturer must debit that account with the amount of tax that was agreed to be paid under § 41.111 or that is otherwise chargeable against the bond and then must credit the account for the amount paid on TTB F 5000.25 or other TTB-prescribed document, at the time it is filed. A manufacturer who will defer payment of tax for a shipment of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes under this subpart must have sufficient credit in this account to cover the taxes prior to making the shipment to the United States.
§ 41.122   Strengthening bond.
Where the amount of any bond is no longer sufficient under the provisions of § 41.121, the bonded manufacturer shall immediately file a strengthening bond in an appropriate amount with the same surety as that on the bond already in effect, unless a superseding bond is filed pursuant to § 41.123. A strengthening bond will not be approved where any notation is made thereon which is intended, or which may be construed, as a release of any former bond, or as limiting the amount of either bond to less than its full amount.
§ 41.123   Superseding bond.
A bonded manufacturer shall immediately file a new bond to supersede his current bond when (a) the corporate surety on the current bond becomes insolvent, (b) the appropriate TTB officer approves a request from the surety on the current bond to terminate his liability under the bond, (c) the payment of any liability under a bond is made by the surety thereon, (d) the amount of the bond is no longer sufficient under the provisions of § 41.121 and a strengthening bond has not been filed, or (e) the appropriate TTB officer considers a superseding bond necessary for the protection of the revenue.
§ 41.124   Extension of coverage of bond.
An extension of coverage of the bond of a bonded manufacturer shall be required (a) as provided in § 41.114a, and (b) in the case of any change in the location of the factory as set forth in the bond. Such extension of coverage of the bond shall be manifested on TTB F 5000.18 by the bonded manufacturer and by the surety on the bond with the same formality and proof of authority as required for the execution of the bond.
§ 41.125   Approval of bond and extension of coverage of bond.
The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to approve all bonds and extensions of coverage of bonds (except under § 41.136) filed under this subpart. No manufacturer of tobacco products in Puerto Rico shall defer taxes under this subpart until he receives from the appropriate TTB officer notice of approval of the bond or of an appropriate extension of coverage of the bond required under this subpart. Upon receipt of the duplicate copy of an approved bond or extension of coverage of bond from the appropriate TTB officer, such copy of the bond or extension of coverage of bond shall be retained by the bonded manufacturer and shall be made available for inspection by the appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
§ 41.126   Termination of bond.
Any bond given under the provisions of this subpart may be terminated as to future transactions, by the appropriate TTB officer, (a) pursuant to application of surety as provided in § 41.127; (b) on approval of a superseding bond; (c) on notification by the bonded manufacturer to the appropriate TTB officer that he has discontinued the deferral of taxes under the bond; or (d) on notification by the bonded manufacturer to the appropriate TTB officer that he has discontinued business. When any bond is terminated, the appropriate TTB officer shall notify both the bonded manufacturer and surety on such bond, in writing, of such action.
§ 41.127   Application of surety for relief from bond.
A surety on any bond given under the provisions of this subpart may at any time in writing notify the bonded manufacturer and the appropriate TTB officer that he desires, after a date named, to be relieved of liability under said bond. Such date shall be not less than 10 days after the date the notice is received by the appropriate TTB officer. The surety shall also file with the appropriate TTB officer an acknowledgement or other proof of service on the bonded manufacturer. If such notice is not thereafter in writing withdrawn, the rights of the bonded manufacturer as supported by said bond shall be terminated on the date named in the notice, and the surety shall be relieved from liability to the extent set forth in § 41.128.
§ 41.128   Relief of surety from bond.
Where the surety on a bond given under the provisions of this subpart has filed application for relief from liability as provided in § 41.127, the surety shall be relieved from liability for transactions occurring wholly subsequent to the date specified in the notice, or the effective date of a new bond, if one is given.
§ 41.129   Release of pledged securities.
Securities of the United States, pledged and deposited as provided in § 41.120, shall be released only in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225. Such securities will not be released by the appropriate TTB officer until the liability under the bond for which they were pledged has been terminated. When the appropriate TTB officer is satisfied that they may be released, he shall fix the date or dates on which a part or all of such securities may be released. At any time prior to the release of such securities, the appropriate TTB officer may extend the date of release for such additional length of time as he deems necessary.
§§ 41.135-41.138   [Reserved]
§ 41.139   Records.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes in the United States who receives tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or Puerto Rican manufacture, without payment of internal revenue tax, under his bond, shall keep separate records of all items received, removed subject to tax, removed for tax-exempt purposes, and otherwise disposed of, showing the following information:
(a) Date, quantity, kind of cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco (number of small cigars—large cigars; number of small cigarettes—large cigarettes; pounds and ounces of chewing tobacco—snuff; pounds and ounces of pipe tobacco—roll-your-own tobacco).
(b) The sale price of large cigars removed subject to tax, except that if the price is more than $235.294 per thousand, it may be shown as if it were $236 per thousand.
(c) Cigarette papers:
(1) Before January 1, 2000, the date and number of books or sets of cigarette papers of each numerical content.
(2) On and after January 1, 2000, the date and number of cigarette papers.
(d) The date and number of cigarette tubes.
§ 41.140   Taxpayment in the United States.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes in the United States who receives, under its bond without payment of internal revenue tax, Puerto Rican tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up in packages, and who subsequently removes such products subject to tax, must pay the tax imposed on these products by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a) at the rates prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 5701 on the basis of a return as prescribed by part 40 of this chapter. Similarly, every manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes in the United States who receives Puerto Rican cigarette papers and tubes and subsequently removes such articles, shall pay the tax imposed on such articles by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), at the rates prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 5701, on the basis of a return under the provisions of part 40 of this chapter applicable to taxpayment of cigarette papers and tubes. Such tobacco products and cigarettes papers and tubes shall be separately listed and identified as articles of Puerto Rican manufacture on Form 5000.24. The amount of tax paid on such articles shall be separately stated on Form 5000.24.
§ 41.141   Reports.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes in the United States who receives Puerto Rican tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes under its bond without payment of internal revenue tax must report the receipt and disposition of such tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes on supplemental monthly reports. Such supplemental reports shall be made on TTB F 5210.5 and shall have inserted thereon the heading, “Cigars and Cigarettes of Puerto Rican Manufacture” or “Cigarette Papers and Tubes of Puerto Rican Manufacture,” as the case may be. The original of such supplemental report shall be attached to the manufacturer's regular monthly report when filed.
§§ 41.151-41.153   [Reserved]
§ 41.161   Abatement of assessment.
A claim for abatement of the unpaid portion of the assessment of any tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, or any liability in respect thereof, may be allowed to the extent that such assessment is excessive in amount, is assessed after expiration of the applicable period of limitation, or is erroneously or illegally assessed. Any claim under this section shall be prepared on Form 2635 (5620.8), in duplicate, and shall set forth the particulars under which the claim is filed. The original of the claim, accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer, and the duplicate of the claim shall be retained by the claimant.
§ 41.162   Losses caused by disaster occurring after September 2, 1958.
Claims involving internal revenue tax paid or determined and customs duty paid on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes removed, which are lost, rendered unmarketable, or condemned by a duly authorized official by reason of a “major disaster” occurring in the United States after September 2, 1958, shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of subpart C of part 46 of this chapter.
§ 41.163   Refund of tax.
The taxes paid on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported or brought into the United States may be refunded (without interest) to the taxpayer on proof satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer that the taxpayer has paid the tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of such taxpayer, or withdrawn by him from the market. Any claim for refund of tax under this section shall be prepared on Form 2635 (5620.8), in duplicate, and shall include a statement that the tax imposed on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes by 26 U.S.C. 7652 or chapter 52, as applicable, has been paid in respect to the articles covered in the claim, and that the articles were lost, destroyed, or withdrawn from the market, within six months preceding the date the claim is filed and shall be executed under the penalties of perjury. A claim for refund relating to articles lost or destroyed shall be supported as prescribed in § 41.165, and a claim relating to articles withdrawn from the market shall include a schedule prepared and verified as prescribed in §§ 41.170 and 41.171 or §§ 41.172 and 41.173. The original of the claim shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. The duplicate of the claim, with the copy of any verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the claimant.
§ 41.165   Action by taxpayer.
Where tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States are lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, and the taxpayer desires to file claim for refund of the tax on such articles, he shall, in addition to complying with the requirements of § 41.163, indicate on the claim the nature, date, place, and extent of such loss or destruction. The claim shall be accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid.
§ 41.170   Reduction of tobacco products to materials; TTB action.
(a) General. Where tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States are withdrawn from the market and the taxpayer desires to file claim for refund of the tax on the articles, he shall, in addition to the requirements of § 41.163, assemble the articles at any suitable place, if they are to be destroyed or reduced to tobacco. The taxpayer shall group the articles according to the rates of tax applicable to the articles, and shall prepare a schedule of the articles on TTB Form 5200.7, in triplicate. All copies of the schedule shall be forwarded to the appropriate TTB officer.
(b) Large cigars. Refund or credit of tax on large cigars withdrawn from the market is limited to the lowest tax applicable to that brand and size of cigar during the required record retention period (see § 41.22) except where the importer establishes that a greater amount was actually paid. For each claim involving large cigars withdrawn from the market, the importer must include a certification on either TTB Form 5200.7 or TTB Form 2635 (5620.8) to read as follows:
The amounts claimed relating to large cigars are based on the lowest sale price applicable to the cigars during the required record retention period, except where specific documentation is submitted with the claim to establish that any greater amount of tax claimed was actually paid.
§ 41.171   Reduction of tobacco products to materials, action by appropriate TTB officer.
Upon receipt of a schedule of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States and which are withdrawn from the market by a taxpayer who desires to destroy such articles or, in the case of tobacco products, reduce them to tobacco, the appropriate TTB officer may verify the schedule and supervise destruction of the articles (and stamps, if any) or the reduction of tobacco products to tobacco, or the appropriate TTB officer may authorize the taxpayer to destroy the articles (and stamps, if any) or reduce tobacco products to tobacco without supervision by so stating on the original and one copy of the schedule returned to the taxpayer.
§ 41.172   Return to nontaxpaid status, action by taxpayer.
(a) General. Where tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States are withdrawn from the market and the taxpayer desires to file a claim for refund of the tax on the articles and return them to a nontaxpaid status, he shall, in addition to the requirements of § 41.163, assemble the articles in or adjacent to the factory in which the articles are to be retained or received in a nontaxpaid status. The taxpayer shall group the articles according to the rates of tax applicable to the articles, and shall prepare a schedule of the articles, on Form 5200.7, in triplicate. All copies of the schedule shall be forwarded to the appropriate TTB officer.
(b) Large cigars. Refund or credit of tax on large cigars withdrawn from the market is limited to the lowest tax applicable to that brand and size of cigar during the required record retention period (see § 41.22) except where the importer establishes that a greater amount was actually paid. For each claim involving large cigars withdrawn from the market, the importer must include a certification on either TTB Form 5200.7 or TTB Form 2635 (5620.8) to read as follows:
The amounts claimed relating to large cigars are based on the lowest sale price applicable to the cigars during the required record retention period, except where specific documentation is submitted with the claim to establish that any greater amount of tax claimed was actually paid.
§ 41.173   Return to nontaxpaid status, action by appropriate TTB officer.
Upon receipt of a schedule of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States and which are withdrawn from the market by a taxpayer who desires to return such articles to a nontaxpaid status, the appropriate TTB officer may verify the schedule and supervise disposition of the articles (and destruction of the stamps, if any) or the appropriate TTB officer may authorize the receiving manufacturer to verify the schedule and disposition of the articles (and destruction of the stamps, if any) covered therein, without supervision, by so stating on the original and one copy of the schedule returned to the manufacturer. Where the receipt in a factory of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes has been verified, such articles shall be treated by the receiving manufacturer as nontaxpaid and shall be covered by the manufacturer's bond.
§ 41.174   Disposition of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, and schedule.
When the appropriate TTB officer is assigned to verify the schedule and supervise destruction or other disposition of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States, such officer shall, upon completion of his assignment, execute a certificate on all copies of the schedule to show the disposition and the date of disposition of such articles. The appropriate TTB officer shall return the original and one copy of the certified schedule to the taxpayer. When a taxpayer destroys such articles (and stamps, if any) or reduces tobacco products to materials, or a receiving manufacturer verifies the schedule and disposition of such articles (and stamps, if any), he shall execute a certificate on the original and the copy of the schedule returned to him, to show the disposition and the date of disposition of the articles. The taxpayer shall attach the original of the certified schedule to his claim for refund.
§ 41.181   Records of large cigars.
Every person who imports large cigars for sale within the United States must keep such records as are necessary to establish and verify the sale price that applies to large cigars removed (entered or withdrawn).
(a) Basic record. The importer must keep a record to show each sale price (as determined under § 41.39), which is applicable to large cigars removed. No later than the tenth business day in January of each year the importer must prepare such a record to show the sale price in effect on the first day of that year for each brand and size of large cigars. The importer must note any change in a price from that shown in the record within ten business days after such change in price. The record must be a continuing one for each brand and size of cigar (and type of packaging, if pertinent), so that the taxable price on any date may be readily ascertained. If an importer removes new types of large cigars after the beginning of the year, the importer must enter the sale price and its effective date for such large cigars in the basic record within ten business days after such removal.
(b) Copies of price announcements. The importer must keep a copy of each general announcement that is issued internally or to the trade about establishment or change of large cigar sale prices. If the copy does not show the actual date when issued it must be annotated to show this information.
(c) Copies of entry and withdrawal forms. The importer must keep a copy of each customs entry or withdrawal form on which internal revenue tax for large cigars is declared pursuant to § 41.81.
(d) Alternative record. If an importer has so few import transactions and/or brands and sizes of large cigars that retention of an appropriate copy of each entry and withdrawal form required under paragraph (c) of this section will provide an adequate record of sale prices, then the record required under paragraph (a) of this section need not be kept. In such case the entry and withdrawal forms must identify the brands and sizes of cigars covered and show the corresponding quantity and sale price for each. If such information was not originally entered on the form it may be included by annotation. Whenever the appropriate TTB officer finds that alternative records being kept pursuant to this paragraph are inadequate for the intended purpose, he or she may so notify the importer in writing, after which time the importer must keep the record required under paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 41.182   Availability of records.
The records required under § 41.181 shall be kept by the importer at his usual place of business unless otherwise authorized in writing by the appropriate TTB officer, and shall be made available for inspection by the appropriate TTB officer upon his request. (For retention period, see § 41.22.)
§ 41.183   [Reserved]
§ 41.190   Persons required to qualify.
Any person who engages in the business as an importer of tobacco products must qualify as an importer of tobacco products in accordance with this part. Any person eligible for an exemption described in § 41.50 is not engaged in the business as an importer of tobacco products. A person importing tobacco products for personal use, in such quantities as may be allowed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection without payment of tax, is not required to have an importer's permit.
§ 41.191   Application for permit.
Every person, before commencing business as an importer of tobacco products, must make application for, and obtain, the permit in accordance with this subpart. The permit application must be made on TTB F 5230.4 in accordance with the instructions for the form. All documents required under this part to be furnished with the permit application must be made a part thereof.
§ 41.192   [Reserved]
§ 41.193   Corporate documents.
Every corporation that files an application for a permit as an importer of tobacco products must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 41.191 a true copy of the corporate charter or a certificate of corporate existence or incorporation executed by the appropriate officer of the State in which incorporated. The corporation must likewise furnish duly authenticated extracts of the stockholders' meetings, bylaws, or directors' meetings, listing the offices that, or the officers who, are authorized to sign documents or otherwise act in behalf of the corporation in matters relating to 26 U.S.C. chapter 52 and the regulations issued thereunder. The corporation must also furnish evidence, in duplicate, of the identity of the officers and directors and each person who holds more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation. Where the corporation has previously filed with the appropriate TTB officer any information required by this section and that information is currently complete and accurate, a written statement to that effect, in duplicate, will be sufficient for purposes of this section.
§ 41.194   Articles of partnership or association.
Every partnership or association that files an application for a permit as an importer of tobacco products must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 41.191 a true copy of the articles of partnership or association, if any, or the certificate of partnership or association where required to be filed by any State, county, or municipality. Where a partnership or association has previously filed these documents with the appropriate TTB officer and the documents are currently complete and accurate, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by the partnership or association will be sufficient for purposes of this section.
§ 41.195   Trade name certificate.
Every person that files an application for a permit as an importer of tobacco products operating under a trade name must furnish with the application for the permit required by § 41.191 a true copy of the certificate or other document, if any, issued by a State, county, or municipal authority in connection with the transaction of business under the trade name. If no such certificate or other document is issued by the State, county, or municipal authority, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by the person will be sufficient for purposes of this section.
§ 41.196   Power of attorney.
If the application for a permit or any report or other document required to be executed under this part is to be signed by an individual as an attorney in fact for any person (including one of the partners for a partnership or one of the members of an association), or if an individual is otherwise to officially represent such person, a power of attorney on TTB F 5000.8 must be furnished to the appropriate TTB officer. A power of attorney is not required for individuals whose authority is furnished with the corporate documents required by § 41.193. A new TTB F 5000.8 does not have to be filed with the appropriate TTB officer if that form previously was submitted to TTB and is still in effect.
§ 41.197   Additional information.
The appropriate TTB officer may require the submission of, and the applicant must furnish, as a part of the application for a permit, such additional information the appropriate TTB officer deems necessary to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit under this subpart.
§ 41.198   Investigation of applicant.
Appropriate TTB officers may inquire or investigate to verify the information in connection with an application for a permit. The investigation will ascertain whether the applicant is eligible for a permit. A permit may be denied if the applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, any officer, director, or principal stockholder and, in the case of a partnership, a partner)—
(a) Is, by reason of his business experience, financial standing, or trade connections or by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with this chapter;
(b) Has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes; or
(c) Has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor.
§ 41.199   Notice of contemplated disapproval.
If the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, the appropriate TTB officer will promptly provide to the applicant a notice of the contemplated disapproval of the application and an opportunity for hearing thereon in accordance with part 71 of this chapter. If, after the notice and opportunity for hearing, the appropriate TTB officer finds that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, an order will be prepared stating the findings on which the application is denied.
§ 41.200   Issuance of permit.
If the application for the permit required under this subpart is approved, the appropriate TTB officer will issue the permit on TTB F 5200.24.
§ 41.201   Duration of permit.
(a) Permits with an effective date on or after August 26, 2013. A permit issued under § 41.200 bearing an effective date of August 26, 2013 or later will be valid for a period of five years from the effective date shown on the permit. Provided that a timely application for renewal is filed under § 41.202, the expiring permit will continue in effect until final action is taken by TTB on the application for renewal.
(b) Permits with an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of tobacco products that holds a permit bearing an effective date that is prior to August 26, 2013 and that wishes to continue operations as an importer of tobacco products, must apply for and receive a new permit issued under § 41.200. The person must file the application under § 41.191 within 150 days after August 26, 2013, or within 30 days prior to the expiration date shown on the existing permit form, whichever is later. If a person timely files an application but that application is not complete (that is, the applicant has not submitted information or documentation sufficient for TTB to take action on the permit), and if the applicant has not provided the missing information within one year of a written request for it or within any shorter time period specified in the written request, the permit application will be deemed abandoned and the applicant will be notified in writing that no permit will be issued in response to the incomplete application. Provided that a timely application is filed, the person may continue operations under the existing permit until TTB takes final action on the application for the new permit.
§ 41.202   Renewal of permit.
(a) Permits with an effective date on or after August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of tobacco products that holds a permit required under § 41.191 and issued under § 41.200 bearing an effective date of August 26, 2013 or later, and that wishes to continue operations beyond the expiration of the permit, must apply for renewal of the permit within 30 days prior to expiration of the permit, in accordance with the instructions provided with the renewal application form. Permits will be renewed only for those persons that have engaged in the importing of tobacco products under the current permit during the one-year period immediately prior to the date of the application to renew.
(b) Permits with an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person may not obtain renewal of a permit bearing an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of tobacco products that holds a permit bearing an effective date prior to August 26, 2013, and that wishes to continue in operations as an importer of tobacco products, must apply for and receive a new permit for issuance under § 41.200 and in accordance with the rules contained in § 41.201(b).
§ 41.203   Retention of permit and supporting documents.
The importer must retain the permit, together with the copy of the application and supporting documents returned with the permit, at the same place where the records required by this subpart are kept. The importer must make the permit and supporting documents available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
§ 41.203a   Suspension and revocation of permit.
When the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that an importer of tobacco products has not in good faith complied with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, or with any other provision of 26 U.S.C. with intent to defraud, or has violated any condition of the permit, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application for the permit, or is, by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, the appropriate TTB officer shall issue an order, stating the facts charged, citing such person to show cause why the permit should not be suspended or revoked. Such citation shall be issued and opportunity for hearing afforded in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part is applicable to such proceedings. If, after hearing, the Administrative Law Judge, or on appeal, the Administrator, finds that such person has not shown cause why the permit should not be suspended or revoked, such permit shall be suspended for such period as the appropriate TTB officer deems proper or shall be revoked.
§ 41.204   Records and reports in general.
Every importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes must keep records and, when required by this part, submit reports of all tobacco products released from customs custody under the importer's TTB permit, including information on the release from customs custody, the receipt, and the disposition.
§ 41.205   [Reserved]
§ 41.206   Reports.
(a) General. Importers must file a monthly report on TTB F 5220.6 in accordance with the instructions for the form.
(b) First report. The first monthly report must be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the permit is issued.
(c) Reports of no activity. Reports with the notation “No Activity” must be made for those months in which no activity occurs.
(d) Concluding report. When a transfer of ownership of the business of an importer of tobacco products described in § 41.224, or when a change in control of a corporation described in § 41.226 occurs, a concluding report with the notation “Concluding Report” must be made for the month or partial month during which the transfer of ownership or change in control becomes effective. A concluding report must also be made for the month or partial month during which an importer concludes operations under the permit.
§ 41.207   [Reserved]
§ 41.208   Maintenance and retention of records and reports.
(a) Maintenance. All records, reports, and other documents required under this part must be maintained separately, chronologically by transaction or reporting date, at the importer's principal place of business. The appropriate TTB officer may, pursuant to an application by the importer for an approved alternate method or procedure under § 41.26, authorize such documents to be maintained at another business location under the control of the importer, if the conditions of § 41.26 are met and provided that the use of the alternate location does not cause undue inconvenience to TTB when attempting to examine the files and does not delay the timely transmittal of any document required to be submitted to TTB.
(b) Retention. All records and reports and documents or copies of documents supporting these records or reports required by this part to be submitted to TTB or retained by the importer must be retained for not less than three years following the close of the calendar year in which filed or made. Such records, reports, and other documents must be available for inspection by the appropriate TTB officer upon request. Furthermore, the appropriate TTB officer may require these records, reports, and other documents to be kept for an additional period of not more than three years in any case where it is necessary to protect the revenue.
§ 41.220   Change in individual name.
When there is a change in the name of an individual operating under a permit as an importer of tobacco products, the importer must, within 30 days of the change, submit an application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit.
§ 41.221   Change in trade name.
When there is a change in, or an addition or discontinuance of, a trade name used by an importer of tobacco products in connection with operations authorized by the permit, the importer must, within 30 days of the change, apply for an amended permit on TTB F 5230.5 to reflect such change. The importer must also furnish a true copy of any new trade name certificate or document issued to the business, or a statement in lieu thereof, as required by § 41.195.
§ 41.222   Change in corporate name.
When there is a change in the corporate name of an importer of tobacco products, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, apply for an amended permit on TTB F 5230.5. The importer must also furnish such documents as may be necessary to establish that the corporate name has been changed.
§ 41.223   Fiduciary successor.
If an administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary is to take over the business of an importer of tobacco products as a continuing operation, the fiduciary must, before commencing operations, apply for a permit in accordance with § 41.191 and furnish certified copies, in duplicate, of the order of the court or other pertinent documents, showing his or her appointment and qualification as the fiduciary. Where a fiduciary intends only to liquidate the business, qualification as an importer of tobacco products is not required if the fiduciary promptly files with the appropriate TTB officer a written statement to that effect.
§ 41.224   Transfer of ownership.
If a transfer in ownership of the business of an importer of tobacco products (including a change of any member of a partnership or association) is to be made, the importer must give written notice to the appropriate TTB officer, naming the proposed successor and the desired effective date of the transfer. Before commencing operations, the proposed successor must qualify as an importer of tobacco products in accordance with subpart K of this part. The importer must give notice of the transfer, and the proposed successor must apply for the permit, in sufficient time for examination and approval of the application before the desired date of the transfer. The predecessor importer must make a concluding report in accordance with § 41.206 and must surrender the permit with that report. The successor importer must make a first report in accordance with § 41.206.
§ 41.225   Change in officers, directors, or stockholders of a corporation.
Upon election or appointment (excluding successive reelection or reappointment) of any officer or director of a corporation operating as an importer of tobacco products, or upon any occurrence that results in a person acquiring ownership or control of more than ten percent in aggregate of the outstanding stock of such corporation, the importer must, within 30 days of that action, so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing, giving the identity of the person. In the event that the acquisition of more than 10 percent in aggregate of the outstanding stock of the corporation results in a change of control of the corporation, the provisions of § 41.226 will apply. When there is any change in the authority furnished under § 41.196 for officers to act on behalf of the corporation, the importer must immediately so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing.
§ 41.226   Change in control of a corporation.
When the issuance, sale, or transfer of the stock of a corporation operating as an importer of tobacco products results in a change in the identity of the principal stockholders exercising actual or legal control of the operations of the corporation, the corporate importer must, within 30 days after the change occurs, apply for a new permit on TTB F 5230.4. If the application is not timely made, the present permit will automatically terminate at the expiration of that 30-day period, and the importer must dispose of all tobacco products on hand in accordance with this part, make a concluding report in accordance with § 41.206, and surrender the permit with that report. If the application for a new permit is timely made, the present permit will continue in effect pending final action with respect to the new application.
§ 41.227   Change in location.
When an importer of tobacco products intends to relocate its principal business office, the importer must, before commencing operations at the new location, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for, and obtain, an amended permit.
§ 41.228   Change in address.
When any change occurs in the address, but not the location, of the principal business office of an importer of tobacco products as a result of action by local authorities, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit.
§ 41.231   Persons required to qualify.
Except as otherwise provided in § 41.233, every person, before commencing business as an importer of processed tobacco, must apply for, and obtain, either a permit as an importer of processed tobacco or, if the person holds a TTB permit as an importer of tobacco products, an amendment to the existing permit authorizing the importation of processed tobacco under such permit, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
§ 41.232   Application for permit or amendment of existing permit.
(a) Application for permit. Any person who intends to engage in the business of importing processed tobacco, and who is not engaged in the business of importing tobacco products, must apply for a permit by completing and submitting TTB F 5230.4 in accordance with the instructions on that form. All documents required under this subpart to be furnished with the application must be included with the application when it is submitted. If the appropriate TTB officer determines that the application is incomplete and, for that reason, does not include sufficient information for TTB to make a decision on the application, and if the applicant has not provided the missing information within one year of a written request for it or within any shorter time period specified in the written request, the application will be deemed abandoned and the applicant will be notified in writing that no permit will be issued in response to the incomplete application. In the case of an application filed in accordance with § 41.233, such notification will constitute the final action on the application and such party will no longer be able to continue as an importer of processed tobacco.
(b) Application for amendment of existing permit. Any person who holds a TTB permit as an importer of tobacco products may also qualify to engage in business as an importer of processed tobacco under the same permit by making application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit and receiving TTB authorization.
§ 41.233   Transitional rule.
(a) Any person who:
(1) On April 1, 2009, had already been engaged in business as an importer of processed tobacco; and
(2) Before June 30, 2009, submits an application for a permit or an amendment of an existing permit, as provided in § 41.232, to engage in such business, may continue to engage in that business pending final action on the application.
(b) Pending final action on the application, all provisions of chapter 52 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply to the applicant in the same manner and to the same extent as if the applicant were a holder of a permit as an importer of processed tobacco or an amended permit authorizing the importation of processed tobacco under chapter 52 and this subpart. Upon receipt of an application, the appropriate TTB officer will provide the applicant with a written acknowledgement that may be used for a limited period as confirmation of TTB authorization to engage in such business of an importer of processed tobacco.
§ 41.234   Corporate documents.
Every corporation that files an application for a permit as an importer of processed tobacco must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 41.231 a true copy of the corporate charter or a certificate of corporate existence or incorporation executed by the appropriate officer of the State in which incorporated. The corporation must likewise furnish duly authenticated extracts of the stockholders' meetings, bylaws, or directors' meetings, listing the offices the incumbents of which are authorized to sign documents or otherwise act in behalf of the corporation in matters relating to 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations issued thereunder. The corporation must also furnish evidence, in duplicate, of the identity of the officers and directors and each person who holds more than ten percent of the stock of such corporation. Where any of the information required by this section has previously been filed with the appropriate TTB officer and such information is currently complete and accurate, a written statement to that effect will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 41.235   Articles of partnership or association.
Every partnership or association that files an application for a permit as an importer of processed tobacco must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 41.231 a true copy of the articles of partnership or association, if any, or certificate of partnership or association where required to be filed by any State, county, or municipality. Where a partnership or association has previously filed such documents with the appropriate TTB officer and such documents are currently complete and accurate, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by the partnership or association will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 41.236   Trade name certificate.
Every person that files an application for a permit as an importer of processed tobacco operating under a trade name must furnish with the application for the permit required by § 41.231 a true copy of the certificate or other document, if any, issued by a State, county, or municipal authority in connection with the transaction of business under such trade name. If no such certificate or other document is so required, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by such person will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 41.237   Additional information.
(a) General. The appropriate TTB officer may require such additional information as deemed necessary to determine whether the applicant is entitled to obtain either a permit as an importer of tobacco products or, if holding a permit as an importer of processed tobacco, an amended permit authorizing the importation of processed tobacco, under this subpart. The applicant must, when required by the appropriate TTB officer, furnish as a part of the application for the permit or authorization such additional information as may be necessary for the appropriate TTB officer to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit or an amended permit.
(b) Business premises. Every person that files an application for a permit required by § 41.231 as an importer of processed tobacco must furnish, with its application for the permit, the address to be used as the principal business office where the records and reports required by the subpart must be maintained pursuant to § 41.263. The applicant must also include the location (by physical address or other means if there is no physical address) of any premises used for the storage of processed tobacco imported or received. For permits issued prior to June 21, 2012, the permittee has 180 days from June 21, 2012, to submit the information required under this paragraph.
§ 41.238   Investigation of applicant.
Appropriate TTB officers may inquire or investigate to verify the information in connection with an application for a permit. The investigation will ascertain whether the applicant is eligible for a permit. A permit may be denied if the applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, any officer, director, or principal stockholder and, in the case of a partnership, a partner)—
(a) Is, by reason of his business experience, financial standing, or trade connections or by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with this chapter;
(b) Has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes; or
(c) Has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor.
§ 41.239   Notice of contemplated disapproval.
If the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, the appropriate TTB officer will promptly give to the applicant notice of the contemplated disapproval of the application and opportunity for hearing thereon in accordance with part 71 of this chapter. If, after such notice and opportunity for hearing, the appropriate TTB officer finds that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, an order will be prepared stating the findings on which the application is denied.
§ 41.240   Issuance of permit.
If the application for the permit required under this subpart is approved, the appropriate TTB officer will issue the permit on TTB F 5200.24.
§ 41.241   Duration of permit.
(a) Permits with an effective date on or after August 26, 2013. A permit issued under § 41.240 bearing an effective date of August 26, 2013 or later will be valid for a period of five years from the effective date shown on the permit. Provided a timely application for renewal is filed under § 41.242, the expiring permit will continue in effect until final action is taken by TTB on the application for renewal.
(b) Permits with an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of processed tobacco that holds a permit bearing an effective date that is prior to August 26, 2013 and that wishes to continue operations as an importer of processed tobacco must apply for and receive a new permit issued under § 41.240. The person must file the application under § 41.232 within 150 days after August 26, 2013, or within 30 days prior to the expiration date shown on the existing permit form, whichever is later. If a person timely files an application but that application is not complete (that is, the applicant has not submitted information or documentation sufficient for TTB to take action on the permit), and if the applicant has not provided the missing information within one year of a written request for it or within any shorter time period specified in the written request, the permit application will be deemed abandoned and the applicant will be notified in writing that no permit will be issued in response to the incomplete application. Provided that a timely application is filed, the person may continue operations under the existing permit until TTB takes final action on the application for the new permit.
§ 41.242   Renewal of permit.
(a) Permits with an effective date on or after August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of processed tobacco that holds a permit issued under § 41.240 bearing an effective date of August 26, 2013 or later, and that wishes to continue operations beyond the expiration of the permit, must apply for renewal of the permit within 30 days prior to expiration of the permit, in accordance with instructions provided with the renewal application form. Permits will be renewed only for those persons that have engaged in the importing of processed tobacco under the current permit during the one year period immediately prior to the date of the application to renew.
(b) Permits with an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person may not obtain renewal of a permit bearing an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of processed tobacco that holds a permit bearing an effective date prior to August 26, 2013, and that wishes to continue in operations as an importer of processed tobacco, must apply for and receive a new permit for issuance under § 41.240 and in accordance with the rules contained in § 41.241(b).
§ 41.243   Retention of permit and supporting documents.
The importer of processed tobacco must retain the permit, together with the copy of the application and supporting documents returned with the permit, at the same place where the records required by this subpart are kept. The permit and supporting documents must be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
§ 41.251   Change in name.
(a) Change in individual name. When there is a change in the name of an individual operating under a permit as an importer of processed tobacco, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit.
(b) Change in trade name. When there is a change in a trade name used by an importer of processed tobacco in connection with operations authorized by the permit, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit to reflect such change. This requirement also applies to the addition or discontinuance of a trade name. The importer must also furnish a true copy of any new trade name certificate or document issued to the importer, or statement in lieu thereof, required by § 41.236.
(c) Change in corporate name. When there is a change in the corporate name of an importer of processed tobacco, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit. The importer must also furnish such documents as may be necessary to establish that the corporate name has been changed.
§ 41.252   Change in ownership or control.
(a) Fiduciary successor. If an administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary is to take over the business of an importer of processed tobacco as a continuing operation, such fiduciary shall, before commencing operations, make application for permit in accordance with § 41.232, furnish certified copies, in duplicate, of the order of the court, or other pertinent documents, showing his appointment and qualification as such fiduciary. However, where a fiduciary intends only to liquidate the business, qualification as an importer of processed tobacco will not be required if he promptly files with the appropriate TTB officer a written statement to that effect.
(b) Transfer of ownership. If a transfer in ownership of the business of an importer of processed tobacco (including a change of any member of a partnership or association) is to be made, such importer shall give notice, in writing, to the appropriate TTB officer, naming the proposed successor and the desired effective date of the transfer. The proposed successor must, before commencing operations, qualify as an importer of processed tobacco in accordance with this subpart. The importer must give notice of the transfer, and the proposed successor must make application for permit, in ample time for examination and approval thereof before the desired date of such change. The predecessor must make a concluding report, in accordance with § 41.262, and surrender the permit with the report. The successor must make a first report, in accordance with § 41.262.
(c) Change in officers, directors, or stockholders of a corporation. Upon election or appointment (excluding successive reelection or reappointment) of any officer or director of a corporation operating as an importer of processed tobacco, or upon any occurrence that results in a person acquiring ownership or control of more than ten percent in aggregate of the outstanding stock of such corporation, the importer shall, within 30 days of such action, so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing, giving the identity of such person. When there is any change in the authority furnished under § 41.271 for officers to act on behalf of the corporation, the importer must immediately so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing.
(d) Change in control of corporation. When the issuance, sale, or transfer of the stock of a corporation operating as an importer of processed tobacco results in a change in the identity of the principal stockholders exercising actual or legal control of the operations of the corporation, the corporate manufacturer must, within 30 days after the change occurs, make application on TTB F 5230.4 for a new permit. Otherwise, the present permit shall be automatically terminated at the expiration of such 30-day period, and the importer must make a concluding report, in accordance with § 41.262, and surrender the permit with the report. If the application for a new permit is timely made, the present permit will continue in effect pending final action with respect to such application.
§ 41.253   Change in location or address.
Whenever an importer of processed tobacco intends to relocate the principal business office, the importer must, before commencing operations at the new location, make application on TTB F 5230.5, and obtain an amended permit. Whenever any change occurs in the address, but not the location, of the principal business office of an importer of processed tobacco, as a result of action of local authorities, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit. Whenever the importer wishes to change the location of the premises used for the storage of processed tobacco imported or received by the importer to an extent that would be inconsistent with the location information submitted with the importer's last permit application, the importer must apply for, and obtain, an amended permit before such a change in premises takes place.
§ 41.261   Records.
(a) Any person who imports, or who knowingly causes to be imported, processed tobacco must make and keep records of operations and transactions. A person purchasing processed tobacco from the importer in a domestic transaction and who does not knowingly cause the processed tobacco to be imported is not required to make and keep records unless the terms and conditions of the importation are controlled by the person placing the order with the importer (for example, the importer is not an independent contractor but the agent of the person placing the order). Records maintained must reflect the date and quantity of processed tobacco:
(1) Imported;
(2) Received otherwise than through importation, together with the name and address of the person from whom it was received;
(3) Returned to customs custody or exported;
(4) Transferred or sold to a person who holds a TTB permit as an importer or manufacturer of tobacco products or of processed tobacco or as an export warehouse proprietor;
(5) Except in the case of returns to customs custody or exportations, transferred or sold to a person who does not hold a TTB permit as an importer or manufacturer of tobacco products or of processed tobacco or as an export warehouse proprietor; and
(6) Lost or destroyed; and
(7) Transferred between buildings that are covered under the same permit but that are not located in the same city, town, village, or State.
(b) The records of any importer who transfers or sells processed tobacco to a person who does not hold a TTB permit as an importer or manufacturer of tobacco products or of processed tobacco or as an export warehouse proprietor must include dated, commercial records that show the following information about each removal:
(1) The full name and business address (including city and State) of the purchaser (if there is a purchaser) or the full name and business address of the recipient (if there is no purchaser), or personal address if the purchaser or recipient is not a business;
(2) The full name, business address (including city and State), and driver's license number of the person picking up the processed tobacco for delivery;
(3) The license number of the vehicle in which the processed tobacco is picked up for delivery to purchaser or transferee;
(4) The street address of the destination of the processed tobacco;
(5) The quantity of processed tobacco in the shipment.
(c) The entries in the records required under this section must be made for each day by the close of the business day following the day on which the transfer or sale occurs. There is no particular format prescribed for the records required under this section (and commercial records may be used), although the required information must be readily ascertainable from the records kept. In the case of a removal under paragraph (a)(5) of this section that involves shipment by a common carrier, the appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure pursuant to § 41.26 of this part through which the importer may keep records regarding the common carrier and its means of tracking (including pick up and delivery) of the shipment in lieu of the information required by paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section. No records are required to be kept under this part regarding processed tobacco within customs custody, although this will not preclude TTB review of records related to such processed tobacco as may be appropriate for purposes of the enforcement of the provisions of this part.
§ 41.262   Reports.
(a) General. Every importer of processed tobacco must prepare a monthly report on TTB F 5220.6 in accordance with the instructions for the form. The report must be prepared at the times specified in this section and must be prepared whether or not any operations or transactions occurred during the period covered by the report. The importer must retain a copy of each report in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. The importer need not include in the reports under this part information regarding processed tobacco that is in customs custody.
(b) First report(s). The first monthly report must be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the permit is issued. If the importer is operating as an importer of processed tobacco under the transitional rule in accordance with § 41.233, the importer must submit the first report by the 15th day of the month following the month in which TTB provides written acknowledgement of the receipt of the application filed under § 41.232.
(c) Reports of no activity. Reports with the notation “No Activity” must be made for those months in which no activity occurs.
(d) Reports of sales and transfers. (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section, an importer that exports processed tobacco or transfers or sells processed tobacco to someone other than a person holding a permit as an importer or manufacturer of processed tobacco or tobacco products or as an export warehouse proprietor must report each such exportation, sale, or transfer on TTB F 5250.2 by the close of the next business day following the day of exportation, sale, or transfer, in accordance with the instructions on the form.
(2) In the case of removals for export, as an alternative to the procedure prescribed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the importer may submit to TTB monthly summary reports of such removals in a format approved by the appropriate TTB officer. Prior to the use of such an alternate procedure, the importer must obtain written approval from the appropriate TTB officer.
(3) An importer that ships or transfers processed tobacco for scientific testing or testing of equipment which results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco is not required to report such shipment or transfer on TTB F 5250.2.
(e) Concluding report. When a transfer of ownership of the business of an importer of processed tobacco described in § 41.252(b) occurs, or when a change in control of a corporation described in § 41.252(d) occurs, a concluding report with the notation “Concluding Report” must be made for the month or partial month during which the transfer of ownership or change in control becomes effective. A concluding report must also be made for the month or partial month during which an importer concludes operations under the permit or authorization.
§ 41.263   Maintenance of records and reports.
All records and reports required by this subpart must be maintained separately, chronologically by transaction or reporting date, at the importer's principal place of business. The appropriate TTB officer may, pursuant to a written request, authorize files, or an individual file, to be maintained at another business location under the control of the importer, provided that the alternative location does not cause undue inconvenience to TTB when attempting to examine the files and does not delay the timely transmittal of any documents required to be submitted to TTB.
§ 41.264   Inventories.
Every importer of processed tobacco must provide a true and accurate inventory of any processed tobacco stored on premises designated pursuant to § 41.237. The importer must make such an inventory at the time of commencing business, at the time of transferring ownership, at the time of changing the location of facilities in which processed tobacco is stored, at the time of concluding business, and at such other time as the appropriate TTB officer may require. A specific format is not prescribed. For permits issued prior to June 21, 2012, the permittee has 180 days from June 21, 2012, to make an inventory as required under this paragraph.
§ 41.265   Processed tobacco importation process.
(a) General. In the case of processed tobacco imported into the United States, the importer, if filing electronically, must file with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the information specified in paragraph (b) of this section at the time of filing the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, along with any other information that is required by CBP to be filed as part of the entry or entry summary for CBP purposes. If the information required by this section is required by, and filed with, CBP for purposes of meeting CBP requirements, such filing will also satisfy the requirements of this section. Regardless of the method of filing, the importer must retain as a record the information required by this section, any information required as part of the entry or entry summary by CBP for CBP purposes, and any supporting documentation, and must make such records available upon request by the appropriate TTB officer or a customs officer.
(b) Information required. The following information is required, as described in paragraph (a) of this section:
(1) The number of the importer's permit issued under subpart K or M of this part;
(2) The employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the importer by the Internal Revenue Service and provided to TTB by the importer on its permit application to TTB on TTB Form 5230.4;
(3) The name and address of the ultimate consignee;
(4) A description of the product as “processed tobacco” for Internal Revenue Code purposes; and
(5) The quantity of processed tobacco.
§ 41.271   Power of attorney.
If the application for a permit or authorization or any report or other document required to be executed under this subpart is to be signed by an individual (including one of the partners for a partnership or one of the members of an association) as an attorney in fact for any person, or if an individual is otherwise to officially represent such person, power of attorney on TTB F 5000.8 shall be furnished to the appropriate TTB officer. Such power of attorney is not required for persons whose authority is furnished with the corporate documents as required by § 41.234. Form 5000.8 does not have to be filed again with an appropriate TTB officer where such form has previously been submitted to TTB and is still in effect.
§ 41.272   Cross reference.
For other applicable provisions pertaining to forms prescribed, retention of records, interference with administration, alternate methods or procedures, emergency variations from requirements, penalties and forfeitures, and delegations of the Administrator, see subpart C of this part.
§ 41.273   Suspension and revocation of permit.
Where the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that an importer of processed tobacco has not in good faith complied with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, or with any other provision of 26 U.S.C. with intent to defraud, or has violated any condition of his permit, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application for the permit, or is, by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, the appropriate TTB officer shall issue an order, stating the facts charged, citing such person to show cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked. Such citation shall be issued and opportunity for hearing afforded in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part is applicable to such proceedings. If, after hearing, the hearing examiner, or on appeal, the Administrator, finds that such person has not shown cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked, such permit shall be suspended for such period as the appropriate TTB officer deems proper or shall be revoked.