(a) Applicability. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, this section applies to each:
  (1) certification form and marking application, including those submitted in an alternate form in accordance with §34.1212(c) of this subchapter (relating to Promulgated and Alternate Certification Forms and Marking Applications);
  (2) request for an alternate certification or marking application form;
  (3) request for an alternative test method and performance standard; and
  (4) applicable fee required to be submitted to the SFMO under the Health and Safety Code §796.005(e) and §34.1211 of this subchapter (relating to Certification Filing Fees).
(b) Submissions.
  (1) Promulgated certification forms and marking applications. The certification form and marking application form specified in §34.1212 of this title (relating to Promulgated and Alternate Certification Forms and Marking Applications) may be obtained from the State Fire Marshal's Office, Mail Code 112-FM, Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149221, Austin, Texas 78714-9221 or the department's website at www.tdi.texas.gov/forms/forms18.html.
  (2) Alternate certification form or marking application. A manufacturer may submit a request to the SFMO to use an alternate form as specified in §34.1212(c) of this subchapter in lieu of the promulgated certification form or marking application specified in §34.1212(a) and (b) of this subchapter. A manufacturer may request to use an alternate certification form or an alternate marking application, or both an alternate certification form and an alternate marking application. The request to use an alternate form should be submitted to the address specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
  (3) Manner of submission.
    (A) All certification forms, marking applications, including those submitted in an alternate form, requests for an alternative test method and performance standard, and applicable fees required to be submitted pursuant to the Health and Safety Code Chapter 796 and this subchapter must be submitted to the Fire Standard Compliant Cigarette Program Coordinator, State Fire Marshal's Office, Mail Code 112-FM, Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149221, Austin, Texas 78714-9221, or to the extent that the SFMO and department determine an acceptable means of electronic submission, a certification form, marking application, request for an alternate certification or marking application form, request for an alternative test method and performance standard, or applicable fee may be submitted electronically.
    (B) Each certification form and marking application or approved-for-use alternate certification or marking application form submitted to the SFMO must be fully completed before it will be accepted and the filing will be considered for the purpose it was submitted. A completed certification form or marking application or completed alternate certification or marking application form is one that provides all required information and is accompanied by all required fees.
  (4) SFMO initial actions on initial submissions.
    (A) If the SFMO determines the submitted marking application is incomplete, the SFMO shall provide the manufacturer with written notice stating the reasons why the submitted marking application is incomplete. If this notification is not postmarked within 10 business days following the receipt of the marking application, the marking application is deemed approved as provided in §34.1210(c)(2) (relating to Marking of Package).
    (B) A certification that includes payment of all required fees is considered valid until the SFMO disapproves the certification submission in writing.
    (C) The SFMO will provide written notice as specified in subsection (c) of this section that:
      (i) the certification form or marking application has been accepted as complete or that the request for an alternative testing method or request for an alternate certification or marking application form has been approved; or
      (ii) the submission has been disapproved. Disapprovals shall state in writing the reason the submission was not approved and that the person may take action as provided under paragraph (5) of this subsection.
  (5) Resubmissions. If the submission is disapproved, the person making the submission may complete or correct the submission and resubmit it.
    (A) If the corrected or completed submission is resubmitted to the SFMO within 180 days of receipt by the SFMO of the initial submission, the corrected or completed submission may be submitted without payment of additional fees.
    (B) If the corrected or completed submission is not submitted within the 180-day time period, the corrected or completed submission constitutes a new submission and must be submitted with an additional payment to the SFMO of all required fees as specified in §34.1211 of this subchapter (relating to Certification Filing Fees).
    (C) If the person chooses not to correct and resubmit the submission, the person shall have 30 days from the date of the last disapproval notice to make a written request for hearing to the SFMO. If a hearing is requested, the hearing will be granted, and the procedures for a contested case under the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code Chapter 2001, shall apply.
(c) Written Notice from the SFMO. Notice by the SFMO, as required by provisions of this subchapter, shall be given by personal service or mailed, postage prepaid, to the mailing address of record for the submitting entity.

Source Note: The provisions of this §34.1203 adopted to be effective December 31, 2008, 33 TexReg 10443; amended to be effective February 14, 2013, 38 TexReg 662