Attorney General's statement concerning certain tobacco product manufacturers

(Revised statutes of Missouri, sections 196.1000-196.1003)

See participating manufacturers in the Master Settlement Agreement, and their brands.

In response to inquiries from various wholesalers, distributors and trade groups, the following are non-participating tobacco product manufacturers that, based on current information, are believed to be in substantial compliance with sections 196.1000 to 196.1003 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, in that they:

1. Have filed required certificates of compliance for past Missouri sales;
2. Have posted escrow accounts with proof of deposit that are presently believed to be sufficient based on Missouri Department of Revenue data; and
3. Are believed to possess and to have supplied qualified escrow agreements, all in substantial compliance with sections 196.1000 to 196.1003 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri:

This list is provided as a “customer service” based on currently available information and does not constitute a license to sell in Missouri. Other tobacco product manufacturers may have established escrow accounts, or purported to escrow, but such certifications have been deemed not to comply with state law or are still under review. New market entrants are not included, and no representation is made as to the legality or illegality of such products. Purchasers should exercise contractual self-protection and consult counsel concerning any legal risks entailed in dealing in such product.

Subsequent information or action may alter a company’s (or brand’s) status. Therefore, the information contained on this Web site is subject to change at any time and this Web site should be consulted regularly. Please feel free to direct questions or information concerning this list, or other manufacturers or brands to Assistant Attorney General Greg Barnes at 573-751-1143.

NOTE: Section 149.203 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri makes it illegal to acquire, hold, own, possess, transport in, import into, or sell or distribute cigarettes in violation of sections 196.1000-196.1003, or sections 149.200 to 149.215. Such cigarettes shall be deemed contraband and are subject to seizure and forfeiture. In addition, the director of Revenue may revoke or suspend the license of any wholesaler who violates that statute, and may impose on any person a civil penalty of up to 500 percent of the retail value of the cigarettes or $5,000, whichever is greater, per violation. Such a violation shall also constitute an unfair trade practice under the Merchandising Practices Act, subject to all the remedies and penalties available for violation of Section 407.020 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.