SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On December 22, 1999, ATF published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) cross-referenced to temporary regulations in the Federal Register soliciting comments from the public and industry on proposed regulations implementing the provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Public Law 105-33. These provisions amended the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that, beginning January 1, 2000, importers of tobacco products qualify for a permit to conduct that activity (Notice No. 888; 64 FR 71955).

The comment period for Notice No. 888 was scheduled to close on February 22, 2000. Prior to the close of the comment period, ATF received a request from a manufacturer of tobacco products, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company to extend the comment period. RJ Reynolds stated that it needed additional time to coordinate the comments of several departments within the company which have an interest in the importation of tobacco products.

In consideration of the above, ATF finds that a reopening of the comment period is warranted. Thus, the comment period is being reopened for an additional 30 days until May 3, 2000. The Bureau believes that a comment period totaling 90 days is a sufficient amount of time for all interested parties to respond.

Disclosure

Copies of this notice, Notice No. 888, and the written comments will be available for public inspection during normal business hours at: ATF Public Reading Room, Room 6480, 650 Massachussetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC.

Drafting Information. The author of this document is Clifford A. Mullen, Regulations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Authority and Issuance

This notice is issued under the authority in 26 U.S.C. 7805.

65 FR 17477