Meetings Held With Industry Members to Discuss E-Filing of Label Approvals
By Tom Stewart (202) 927-8193

During February 7-8, 2002, ATF participated in four separate meetings with members of the alcohol beverage industry to discuss requirements for the system to electronically file label applications. The meetings were held at the Fairfax, Virginia, facilities of Idea Integration, the contractor designing and building the system. Approximately 65 persons attended the sessions. The purpose of the meetings was to discuss the goals and status of the project and solicit the industry's input on the requirements before finalizing them. Material presented at these four presentations included background and history of the COLAs Online project and the schedule and status of the project. Industry representatives were shown samples of the screens they would use to log in, create applications and search for electronically filed COLAs, along with descriptions of these processes. These presentations yielded many valuable comments and suggestions which ATF will be able to use to enhance the requirements for the system. We will continue to keep industry members informed of our progress through this publication, attendance at industry meetings and seminars and on our Internet site (www.atf.treas.gov). We greatly appreciate the time and effort our customers have spent in assisting us to develop a process to modernize and improve the label approval system.q

Cigarette Thefts and Hijackings
By George Kim (202) 927-3580

ATF enforces Chapter 114-Trafficking in Contraband Cigarettes, which makes it a federal felony to knowingly ship, transport, receive, possess, sell, distribute, or purchase contraband cigarettes. "Contraband cigarettes" means a quantity in excess of 60,000 cigarettes, which bear no evidence of the payment of applicable State cigarette taxes in the State where such cigarettes are found, if such State requires a stamp, impression, or other indication to be placed on packages or other containers of cigarettes to evidence payment of cigarette taxes. Stolen cigarettes usually do not have any State stamp or the inappropriate State stamp, as they are moving between regulated warehouses in interstate commerce.

Recently, there has been a marked increase in the theft of cigarettes while in interstate transportation. ATF would like to encourage tobacco permit holders and others to report these thefts to ATF's National Enforcement Operations Center (NEOC) at 1-800-800-3855. The information may be used to initiate or assist in an appropriate investigation. If you have any questions concerning ATF's Tobacco Programs, please call the Diversion Branch at (202) 927-3580 or refer to the ATF web site at www.atf.treas.gov. q

New Microsoft Word Version of COLA Form
By Adam Krautheim (202) 927-8450

The Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division has recently released a Microsoft Word (MS) version of ATF Form 5100.31, Application for and Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (COLA). The regulations require generally that an approved COLA, ATF Form 5100.31, be obtained prior to the bottling, packing, importation or removal of wine, distilled spirits or malt beverages from the plant where bottled or packed, or from Customs custody. The MS Word version of this form is available on our web site at: http://www.atf.treas.gov/forms/msword/f510031.dot. This version of the form will allow you to type the information required on the form on your computer, print it, attach your label(s) and forward it to ATF. Please note that when the form is printed, 8.5" x 14" legal-size paper must be used.