The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) reminds all tobacco dealers that according to the Tobacco Law, late applications for the registration of certificate renewals will result in a penalty fee.

Applications submitted after 31 December, 2015 and up to 31 January, 2016 will attract a late fee of an additional 100% of the registration fee. The deadline for the submission of applications for the renewal of a certificate, valid for retailers, cigar bars and wholesale distributors, is 1 November of each year.

Where the registration has expired and no application for renewal is received by 31 January, the registrant should cease operations and wait for twelve months before consideration may be given to a new application for registration.

DCI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh said tobacco dealers who do not adhere to the law could face penalties.

‘The Tobacco Law (2008) requires dealers to register their tobacco products annually’, he said. ‘Failure to comply means that persons are operating illegally, and therefore are subject to fines or prosecution’.

The annual registration renewal fees are CI$500 for a retailer; CI$750 for a cigar bar; and CI$5,000 for a wholesale distributor.

Applications for new licenses can be submitted at any time during the calendar year, where the full fee per certificate is applicable accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $100.

All forms are available on www.dci.gov.ky<http://www.dci.gov.ky>, and at the Business Licensing Counter (formerly known as the Trade and Business Licensing Counter) located on the first floor of the Government Administration Building.

All applications must be submitted along with a current trade and business licence certificate, and written notification of changes made since the last registration, such as the dealer’s contact details, business location, ownership, and trade of products information.

For more information, contact DCI’s Tobacco Administrator Samone Morgan at [email protected]