New Tobacco Rule Protects Americans

New Tobacco Rule Brings All Tobacco Products Under FDA Oversight

Until today, there was no federal law prohibiting stores and websites from selling some products that contain tobacco, like e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco, and cigars, to minors. 

High school students' e-cigarette use jumped 900% from 2011 and 2015 

Today FDA finalized a new rule that brings all products with tobacco under FDA oversight by "deeming" them tobacco products. 

The new rule aims to deter minors from starting to smoke by restricting access. Some examples include:

• Not allowing vendors to sell tobacco products to children under 18;
• Requiring vendors to verify age by photo ID;
• Not allowing retailers to sell tobacco products in vending machines (unless in an adults-only facility); and
• Not allowing vendors to distribute free samples.

The rule will subject all manufacturers, importers, and/or retailers of newly-regulated tobacco products to any applicable provisions, bringing them in line with other tobacco products the FDA regulates. 

Learn More About  New Tobacco Rule

• Tobacco Deeming Federal Register Announcement
• Press Release: FDA Takes Significant Steps to Protect Americans from Dangers of Tobacco Through New Regulation
• Extending Authorities to All Tobacco Products, Including E-Cigarettes, Cigars, and Hookah