REGULATION OF PRODUCTION AND DISPOSAL OF VIRGINIA TOBACCOCentral

Section 13A of The Tobacco Board Act, 1975

1[13A. Duty of registered dealers and exporters to purchase at auction platforms, etc.-- No registered dealer or registered exporter shall purchase or cause to be purchased virginia tobacco elsewhere--

(a)than at an auction platform registered with the Board in accordance with the rules made under this Act or established by the Board under this Act; or
(b)than from any other registered dealer or a registered grower or curer: Provided that in relation to any State in which the provisions of section 13 are not in force, the condition specified under clause (a) shall not apply.]

Summary

Registered dealers and exporters are generally required to buy Virginia tobacco at registered or Board-established auction platforms.
They are also permitted to buy Virginia tobacco from other registered dealers, growers, or curers.
This section works with Section 13 to control both the buying and selling sides of the auction process.
If Section 13 (the auction rule) is not in force in a specific State, the requirement to buy at an auction platform does not apply in that State.

Practical examples

1A registered exporter in Andhra Pradesh wants to buy 1,000kg of Virginia tobacco in July 2026. Since Section 13 is active there, the exporter goes to a registered auction platform to make the purchase.

2In October 2027, a registered dealer buys a supply of Virginia tobacco from another registered dealer. This is a legal purchase under Section 13A(b).

FAQ

1. Can a registered dealer buy tobacco from another registered dealer?

Yes, Section 13A(b) allows registered dealers to purchase from other registered dealers, growers, or curers.

2. Does an exporter always have to use an auction platform?

Generally yes, but if Section 13 is not in force in a particular State, the auction platform requirement for that State is waived under the proviso of Section 13A.

3. What is the main "duty" described in this section?

The duty is for buyers (dealers and exporters) to use the official auction platforms for their purchases of Virginia tobacco.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 13A of The Tobacco Board Act, 1975, from whom can a registered exporter legally purchase Virginia tobacco?

Q2.According to Section 13A of The Tobacco Board Act, 1975, what happens if Section 13 is not active in a specific State?

Q3.Under Section 13A of The Tobacco Board Act, 1975, where is a registered dealer generally expected to purchase Virginia tobacco?

Q4.How does Section 13A of The Tobacco Board Act, 1975 link with Section 13?

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