Avoid Delays - Check Your Tobacco Importer Permit Expiration Date Now
By Mimi Mengos (513)684-7232

The National Revenue Center's (NRC) Wholesaler/Importer Units in Cincinnati are now processing applications to renew tobacco importer permits. Please note that some previously issued importer permits will expire on December 31, 2002, including a number of "conditional" one-year permits.

In order for the NRC to renew existing permits (and for your business to continue importing, uninterrupted), you must submit an "Application For Permit Under 26 U.S.C. Chapter 52 Importer of Tobacco Products" (ATF F 5230.4) prior to the expiration date.

• Tobacco Importer permits will be renewed for three-years. It's important to send in your renewal applications early to avoid possible delays in your operations.



• If you've had changes since filing your last application, such as changes in officers, stock, or ownership, please indicate these items in your application package.

The NRC advises all tobacco importers to check the expiration date block on their current Permit (ATF F 5200.24) and make sure that, if your expiration date is approaching, you've contacted the NRC and/or submitted the necessary paperwork for renewal.

Anyone needing further assistance should contact the National Revenue Center Wholesaler/Importer Units at 1-800-398-2282 (513-684-3337) or e-mail us at natlrevctr@cinc.atf.treas.gov.

President Bush Signs the New Homeland Security Bill

By John Daffron (202)927-5000

On November 25th the President signed into law the new Department of Homeland Security. Included in the legislation were provisions affecting the transfer of the firearms, arson and explosive functions of ATF to the Department of Justice, and the establishment of a new Bureau within the Department of the Treasury for alcohol and tobacco. The new DOJ Bureau, titled the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, is authorized as a separate and distinct entity. The new Treasury bureau will be titled the Tax and Trade Bureau.

Under the terms of the House measure, the DOJ Bureau, ATFE, will be responsible for investigation of criminal and regulatory violations of the Federal firearms, explosives, arson, and tobacco smuggling laws. In addition, the Attorney General is authorized to delegate other functions to the bureau as he may deem appropriate which involve violent crime or domestic terrorism.

The authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of ATF relating to the administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code and Federal Alcohol Administration Act will remain in Treasury.

As the details of the transition are worked out we will provide updates in future newsletters.