LAC 61:I.5107 — Authority for Stamping Agents to Purchase Certain Unstamped Cigarettes, Tobacco; Approval from Attorney General

A. Stamping agents licensed with the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control may sell cigarettes in or into the state only if the manufacturer and brand family of the cigarettes are listed on the state directory maintained by the attorney general at the time of stamping. However, unless prior written approval is obtained from the attorney general, stamping agents may not purchase cigarettes from an entity other than an importer, manufacturer, or sales entity affiliate.
B. For a stamping agent to purchase unstamped cigarettes from an entity other than an importer, manufacturer, or sales entity affiliate, the stamping agent must first request approval from the attorney general on a quarterly basis by submitting a written request on a form approved and provided by the attorney general that includes the following:
1. names and addresses of the entities from whom the stamping agent intends to purchase unstamped cigarettes or roll-your-own tobacco products;
2. manufacturers and brand names of the unstamped cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco products that the stamping agent intends to purchase;
3. intended state of destination of the unstamped cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco products upon resale by the stamping agent;
4. written verification from the entities from whom the stamping agent intends to purchase unstamped cigarettes or roll-your-own tobacco products that the former agrees to provide copies of invoices and any other necessary documentation to confirm the accuracy of the reported transactions within 20 days following the end of the applicable sales quarter; and
5. any other information that the attorney general may deem relevant.
C. The request shall be made at least 10 days prior to the beginning of the applicable sales quarter and prior to the purchase of any unstamped cigarettes or roll-your-own tobacco products as described in this Section. In the event that any information changes after the request has been submitted, whether or not approval has been given, a revised form shall be submitted immediately to the attorney general.
D. The decision to approve or deny the request shall be based upon the information provided by the stamping agent as well as any additional information that the attorney general may deem relevant, but in any case, approval shall be contingent upon agreement and cooperation by the entities from whom the stamping agent intends to purchase the unstamped cigarettes or roll-your-own tobacco products to provide copies of invoices and any other necessary documentation to confirm the accuracy of the reported transactions within 20 days following the end of the applicable sales quarter.