If a transfer in ownership of the business of an importer of tobacco products (including a change of any member of a partnership or association) is to be made, the importer must give written notice to the appropriate TTB officer, naming the proposed successor and the desired effective date of the transfer. Before commencing operations, the proposed successor must qualify as an importer of tobacco products in accordance with subpart K of this part. The importer must give notice of the transfer, and the proposed successor must apply for the permit, in sufficient time for examination and approval of the application before the desired date of the transfer. The predecessor importer must make a concluding report in accordance with § 41.206 and must surrender the permit with that report. The successor importer must make a first report in accordance with § 41.206.