Stay current with rules and restrictions on tobacco exports and imports

Although you don't need a federal license to sell tobacco, you must keep federal records if you sell more than 100,000 cigarettes per month. There are also rules and requirements that can impact the sales of tobacco products, which you should become familiar with before you become a seller. If you intend to manufacture tobacco products, you must receive approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

I recommend: The TTB provides information on its site for obtaining a permit to become a tobacco importer. You can also peruse its site to answer any questions you may have about becoming a tobacco exporter or importer. Because tobacco is a health issue, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has its own mandates you need to follow.

Search through companies to find the tobacco importer or exporter that works best for you

With so many selections to choose from, it's best to know what needs you have before you scour through Internet listings for tobacco importers and exporters. If you need many tobacco items quickly, determine if the company you're looking into can do that for you at a cost you can afford.

I recommend: Global Buyers Online provides a list of tobacco importers where you can search through according to needs or country. Gulf Business is a Middle Eastern business where you can find tobacco exporters. TradeKey.com is another choice where you can browse through needs of sellers and buyers. For an online marketplace that lists tobacco trade companies, check out Tradeget.

Confer with global tobacco importers to see if they can help your business

It may be intimidating to contact large conglomerates that deal daily with tobacco manufacturing, but these companies are a wealth of knowledge. They know the ins and outs of importing and exporting tobacco. Contact them via email or telephone to request more information.

I recommend: Philip Morris USA is one of the top-ranked tobacco companies in the world. In business for more than 150 years, it's the largest cigarette manufacturer in the country. Imperial Tobacco Canada, which is Canada's leading tobacco company, contains a list of its products. It cannot show the logos, as it's a violation of the country's advertising laws.