May 14, 1999

Olympia- Cigarettes that read "For Export Only," "U.S. Tax Exempt," "For Use Outside the U.S." or similar wording are illegal to sell in our state, even with a Washington cigarette tax stamp.

The 1999 Legislature passed a bill prohibiting the sale of all cigarettes marked for sale outside the United States. This precedes the Federal law, which takes effect January 1, 2000, that bans the re-import of tobacco products manufactured for export. An effective state law will help deal with illegal importation of tobacco products until the federal law takes effect.

Beginning June 1, 1999, Liquor Control Board enforcement agents will check inventories for the "export only" cigarettes. Over 8,000 letters are being sent out across the State informing retailers to make immediate arrangements to dispose of all cigarettes intended for sale outside the U.S. After June 1, retailers selling or possessing these cigarettes will be issued citations for a gross misdemeanor. The new law requires the seizure of export only cigarettes and that they be destroyed.

Federal law on cigarette labeling and advertising requires all packages of cigarettes manufactured for sale in the United States to contain a warning label on the health hazards of cigarettes. Cigarettes manufactured for export are not subject to the same requirements. Consumers should be forewarned that cigarettes manufactured in the U.S. for export have different nicotine levels and additives than those produced for the domestic market.

Cigarette packs are clearly marked with language indicating they are for sale outside the United States. Not all brands have markings on the cartons and retailers may need to inspect the packs inside to determine they are export only cigarettes. Wholesalers are being advised not to fill orders with stock bearing export language.

Please contact your local liquor enforcement office if you have questions.

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For more information please contact Tricia Currier at (360) 664-1784 or page at (360) 290-3683.

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