Your browser doesn't support JavaScripts

TTBGov Submission of Tobacco Products for Tax Classification
SSD Quality and Safety Program

Submission of Tobacco Products for Tax Classification

Q:  How much sample should I send?

A:  For cigar or cigarette products, a minimum of 200 sticks of the finished product should be submitted in unopened consumer packages.  Along with the sample, you must submit the following:

    1. if the consumer packages have not been printed, a detailed graphic representation of the packaging;
    2. a statement of composition of the filler including the type, geographic origin, treatment, age, and percentage of each tobacco used; and
    3. for cigar products, a statement of the materials and proportion of each used in the wrapper, and the production process.

For cut, ground, powdered, or leaf tobacco products, a minimum of 100 grams of the finished product must be submitted along with the consumer package or, if the package has not been printed, a detailed graphic representation of the packaging.

Q:  How should I send the samples?

A:  All sample products must be sealed in airtight bags and must include a cover letter providing contact information, and if possible, the intended use of the product. Samples considered evidence must be sent via express courier.

Q: Where should I send the samples?

A:  All samples must be sent to the following address:
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Regulations and Rulings Division
ATTN: Tobacco Product Tax Classification
1310 G Street, NW, Room 200E
Washington, DC 20220
(202) 453-2265

Q. Who should I contact regarding the submission of samples, and the status of samples I’ve already sent?

A: The Regulations and Rulings Division at (202) 453-2265.

PLEASE NOTE - The laboratory does not analyze tobacco product samples in response to consumer complaints unless associated with a potential counterfeit product.  If you have a complaint about a tobacco product you have purchased, you may wish to contact the manufacturer or the store where the product was obtained.  If you wish to submit a tobacco product that you believe to be counterfeit, you may contact the Trade Analysis and Enforcement Division (TAED) for guidance on submitting the sample.  TAED can be reached by telephone at 1-877-TTB-FAQS (877-882-3277) or by email at ttbtobacco@ttb.gov.  If you wish to submit a tobacco product for any reason other than to determine the proper  tax classification or to notify TTB of a suspected counterfeit product, please contact the Regulations and Rulings Division, as the noted above, prior to sending the samples.