WASHINGTON - The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued a notice this week that says roll-your-own cigarette manufacturers must now apply for a permit from TTB, as well as pay federal excise taxes and comply with other TTB regulatory requirements. Because of pending litigation, TTB is not currently processing applications but interested parties may consult TTB€™s Permits Online site for general information about the permitting process.

Effective immediately, all retailers who possess a roll-your-own machine to make cigarettes that are sold to the general public will be treated as tobacco manufacturers. These retailers will have to, among other things, remit all applicable federal and state excise taxes, use fire-safe tubes and register with the Food & Drug Administration.