The law requires that everyone who intends to engage in tobacco export operations obtain a permit from TTB. Wondering how to get started as a tobacco export warehouse? Visit our industry startup guide: Getting Started in TTB-Regulated Industry. Have a permit to operate in the tobacco industry and looking for next steps? See our industry compliance guide: Maintaining Compliance in a TTB-Regulated Business.
Getting Started
To apply for a permit, you must submit an application and the required documentation. We encourage you to use Permits Online to file your original and amended applications with us for FREE! With Permits Online, we can process your application more quickly. Avoid delay in processing your applications by seeing our permit application Q&As about frequently overlooked items.
Read the brief introductory information letter before submitting your application. This letter describes TTB’s requirements to manufacture tobacco products and provides a printable checklist so you can track the steps of the application process as they are completed.
Key Tobacco Manufacturer Topics
| Packets for manufacturers of tobacco products and processed tobacco. You can apply online! | 
| Public guidance including FAQs, procedures, rulings and industry circulars |
| Requirements for Manufacturers Information explaining the requirements you must meet to maintain your business |  | Bond forms, approved surety companies, purchasing a security for a collateral bond |
| Tax rates and due dates, Pay.gov and help with filing and preparing excise tax returns |  | How and where to send your tobacco samples, and TTB’s |
Top Questions about the Tobacco Industry
How Do I...?
| Import Tobacco Products | Submit a Tobacco Sample |
| Determine Special Occupational Tax Liability | Determine and Pay Taxes |
| Report an Illegal Tobacco Sale | Get More Tobacco Questions |