In 2003, the Washington State Legislature passed a law (RCW 70.158 ) requiring tobacco product manufacturers to annually certify cigarettes -including "roll your own"- to be sold in the State of Washington.
The new law requires all tobacco-product manufacturers who intend to sell cigarettes within the state of Washington -including "roll your own" - as defined in RCW 70.157.010 - to file a Certification of Enrollment with the Washington State Attorney General's Office.
Initial certification must be filed prior to doing business in the state, and must be re-filed by April 30 of each year in order to continue doing business.
A Certification form must be filed with the Attorney General prior to doing business in Washington, and one must also be filed each April 30th following a year in which cigarettes were sold in the state. The Certification must be filed whether the manufacturer intends to sell cigarettes directly or through a distributor, retailer or similar intermediary. This Certification is in addition to any Certificate of Compliance that may be required pursuant to RCW 70.157.
Click here for general information, definitions, instructions and a copy of the Certification of Enrollment form.
Nonparticipating Manufacturers
A nonparticipating manufacturer must register to do business in the state or appoint a registered agent for service of process. If the nonparticipating manufacturer is registered to do business in the state, it must provide a copy of its Certificate of Authority to the Attorney General. If the nonparticipating manufacturer is not registered to do business in the state, it must register with the Attorney General by completing the Statement of Registration form.
List of Certified Tobacco Manufacturers
Individuals who offer cigarettes for sale in this state must check the directory of certified tobacco product manufacturers - by brand and by manufacturer - to see if the tobacco product manufacturer and the cigarette brand family may be sold in this state.
It is unlawful for any person to affix a stamp to a package or other container of cigarettes of a tobacco product manufacturer or brand family not included in the directory.
It is also unlawful for any person to sell, offer, or possess for sale in this state or import for sale in this state, any cigarettes of a tobacco product manufacturer or brand family not included in the directory. Failure to comply can result in a civil penalty, revocation of the wholesaler license, injunction and criminal charges. Additionally, such cigarette products may be seized.