Step 2 – Identify Your Desired Type of Tobacco Operations

The next important step in getting started in the tobacco industry is deciding which type of tobacco operation(s) you intend
to conduct.

Types of Tobacco Operations

While the application procedures among the various operations have similarities, there are significant differences between them that will affect how you become qualified to operate.

NOTE: If you want to manufacture electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)—generally, e-cigarettes, "vaping" devices, or other similar products that do not contain tobacco—you 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.