§ 2606 — Evidence

(a)Prima facie evidence of intent. —In any action or proceeding pursuant to this chapter, including proceedings before the Secretary relating to licenses, proof of a sale of cigarettes or any other item or items in combination or in connection with cigarettes at less than cost to the seller as defined and specified in this chapter shall be prima facie evidence of intent to injure a competitor or competitors and/or of intent to destroy or substantially lessen competition.

(b)Evidence bearing on cost. —In determining cost to the wholesaler, the Secretary or any court shall receive and consider as bearing on the bona fides of such cost evidence tending to show that any person complained against under this chapter purchased cigarettes with respect to the sale of which complaint is made at a fictitious price or upon terms or in such a manner or under such invoices as to conceal the true costs, discounts or terms of purchase and shall also receive and consider as bearing on the bona fides of such cost evidence of the normal, customary, and prevailing terms and discounts in connection with other sales of a similar nature in the trade area.