Cayman’s Health Ministry is reminding tobacco dealers that Thursday, 1 November 2012, is the deadline to apply for renewal of registration for 2013.

“According to the Tobacco Law, everyone dealing with tobacco products must register annually and display the Certificate of Registration (similar to a Trade and Business License). Also, failing to re–new the registration in time will attract late fees,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar advised.

Applications submitted after 1 November and up to 31 December will attract a late fee of an additional 50% of the registration fee. Applications submitted after 31 December and up to 31 January will attract a late fee of an additional 100% of the registration fee. If no application for renewal is received by 31 January, dealers will have to cease operation for 12 months before submitting a new application.

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

The following documents are needed for renewal of registration: a completed renewal application form (Form 3); a current Trade and Business License Certificate; and, if there were any changes in dealership since the last registration, such as contact information, location, ownership or trade of products, Form 1 (application for registration as a tobacco dealer) must be completed as well.

A total of 153 tobacco dealers are currently registered.

Minister of Health Hon. Mark Scotland thanks the business community for its support in implementing the provisions of the tobacco legislation. “Business owners continue to be compliant with the Law and its provisions and we wish to see this trend continue. If anyone has any doubts about the legislation, or if anyone is still selling tobacco products without a registration certificate, please contact the Public Health Department to avoid prosecution,” he adds.

Application forms and guidelines are available from the Ministry of Health and Health Services Authority’s website on www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky  and www.hsa.ky.  For further information contact Ms. Sarah Hetley, Tobacco Registrar, Public Health Department, Cayman Islands Hospital on 244-2889 or email at [email protected].

Side Bar: Tobacco Registration Renewal Requirements

According to the Tobacco Regulations 4(4) all tobacco dealers must submit their applications for renewal of their registration certificates by 1 November of each year.

You will need:

A renewal application form (Form 3)

A current Trade and Business License Certificate

The annual registration fee

CI$500 for a retailer,

CI$750 for a cigar bar, and

CI$5,000 for a wholesale distributor.

Please note:

If any changes in dealership occurred since your last registration, such as contact information, location, ownership or trade of products, you will have to fill out and submit Form 1 (application for registration as a tobacco dealer) as well.

Applications submitted after 1 November and up to 31 December will attract a late fee of an additional 50% of the registration fee.

Applications submitted after 31 December and up to 31 January will attract a late fee of an additional 100% of the registration fee.

If no application for renewal is received by 31 January, dealers will have to cease operation for 12 months before submitting a new application.

It is illegal to sell tobacco products without valid registration.  If you are currently selling tobacco products without a registration certificate, please contact the Public Health Department to avoid prosecution.

Application forms and guidelines are available online at www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky and www.hsa.ky. For further information contact Ms. Sarah Hetley, Tobacco Registrar, Public Health Department, Cayman Islands Hospital on 244-2889 or email at [email protected].