Permits | TTB: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

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We encourage you to use Permits Online to file original and amended applications with us online and 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.

Applying for a Permit – Information and links pertaining to operating a TTB-regulated business governed by the Federal Alcohol Act or the Internal Revenue Code.
Manufacturer of Tobacco Products – Information and guidance you need to start business in the tobacco manufacturing industry
Importer of Tobacco Products – Information and guidance you need to start business in the tobacco importation industry
Tobacco Export Warehouse Proprietor – Information and guidance you need to start business as a tobacco export warehouse proprietor
Application Packets – Required forms and instructions along with tools and resources to aid you in filing an acceptable application
- Tobacco Export Warehouse Proprietor
  Permitting information for businesses which export tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, roll your own tobacco) to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or another United States possession
- Tobacco Importer
  Permitting information for anyone who wishes to import tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, roll your own tobacco) into the United States for business purposes.
- Tobacco Products Manufacturer
  Permitting information for businesses which manufacture tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, roll your own tobacco)
- Manufacturer of Processed Tobacco (MPR):
  Businesses which manufacture processed tobacco must first obtain a manufacturer of processed tobacco permit. Businesses with a valid TTB permit to manufacture tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, roll your own tobacco) need not obtain a separate permit to manufacture processed tobacco.
- Importer of Processed Tobacco:
  Businesses that wish to import processed tobacco into the United States must first obtain this permit. Businesses with a valid TTB permit to import tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, roll your own tobacco) need not obtain a separate permit to import processed tobacco. A permit to import tobacco products may be amended to include importation of processed tobacco.
Informational Packets - TTB’s informational packets address situations that do not require you to file an application or to request permission to operate. Instead, these packets provide instructions on obtaining a special service or fulfilling a special requirement for your type of business

NOTE: Manufacturers of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)—generally, e-cigarettes, "vaping" devices, and other similar products that do not contain tobacco—do not need to apply to TTB for a permit to operate. Federal law (section 5702 of Title 26 of the United States Code) defines tobacco products subject to the Federal excise taxes administered by TTB as cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco (snuff and chewing tobacco), pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco. Each of these products is specifically defined in section 5702. TTB does not regulate manufacturers of any ENDS products that do not fall within these definitions. Such manufacturers may be subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as State and local laws.