The seminars proved to be a positive experience for ALFD representatives as well, offering the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from industry members and to establish a level of rapport not afforded by phone contact. In fact the seminars were so successful that next year we may take our show on the road!

National Revenue Center Changes Permit and Registry Numbers

By Yolanda Whitehead (513)684-6978

To better serve our customers, the National Revenue Center (NRC) has initiated a project to update all permit/registry numbers that do not conform to our current database format. In the past, each Regional Technical Services office issued its own numbers. We use these numbers to organize and locate paper and electronic records for our customers. We plan to develop and provide new methods of electronic communication and interaction with our customers in the future. These technological advances are more manageable when there is standardization of all permit and registry numbers. In light of these plans, the continued maintenance of nonconforming permit and registry numbers has become cumbersome. Approximately 1,000 numbers from more than 33, 000 records will be affected.

We recognize that this change may cause some industry members minor inconvenience. We are working with the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD) to make your transition easier. The change in permit and registry numbers will impact certificates of label approval (COLAs) and any corresponding pre-import letters and laboratory analyses. There is no cause for alarm. Industry members will simply file a copy of their notification letter with their existing COLAs and corresponding documents that bear the old permit or registry number. Industry members will then use the new permit and registry numbers for all future contact with the Bureau.

The NRC will mail, by October 8, 2002, notices to all permittess that are affected by this change. Within 30 days of the date of the advance notice, permittees that have only a registry number affected by this change will

receive a letter notification of their new or corrected registry number. Permittees that have permit numbers.

That are affected by this change will receive a letter notification along with a new permit and instructions for
returning the existing permit for proper cancellation. Every permittee must begin using the new permit and registry numbers for all contact with the Bureau effective November 8, 2002.

Inquiries or requests for additional information may be directed to Linda Franklin, our Customer Service Representative, at (513)684-6035 or (800)398-2282.

Questions or suggestions relating to the Alcohol & Tobacco Newsletter should be directed to the Editor by fax at (202) 927-5611 or by mail at the following address: Bureau of ATF, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Room 8110, Attention: Joette Brown, Editor, Alcohol & Tobacco Newsletter, Washington, D.C. 20226.