The FDA has made the tobacco purchase age 21 across the country
Note: On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes – to anyone under 21. FDA will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.
FDA regulates all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, cigars, and hookah tobacco
Tobacco retailers play a direct role in protecting kids from nicotine addiction and the deadly effects of tobacco use. Learn what tobacco retailers need to do to comply with the rules designed to prevent our nation’s youth from becoming the next generation of Americans to die prematurely from tobacco-related disease.
Do you mix or prepare e-liquids, make or modify vaporizers, or mix loose tobacco and sell any tobacco product? If so, you may be regulated as both a retailer and a tobacco product manufacturer.
Selling Tobacco Products in Retail Stores
If you sell tobacco products, you must comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations for retailers. By complying with these regulations, retailers help keep tobacco products out of the hands of youth.
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Compliance Check Inspections
FDA conducts inspections of tobacco product retailers to determine a retailer’s compliance with federal laws and regulations, including The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Tobacco Control Act, and our rules and regulations.
During Undercover Buy Inspections, the retailer is unaware an inspection is taking place. The minor and inspector will not identify themselves.
Generally, FDA sends warning letters to retailers the first time a tobacco compliance check inspection reveals a violation of federal tobacco laws and regulations. Failure to promptly and adequately correct all violations and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations may lead to enforcement actions, including Civil Money Penalties or No-Tobacco-Sale Orders.
Searchable Retailer Inspection Database
Results from compliance check inspections of tobacco retailers are available in a searchable retailer inspection database.
Search inspection results by tobacco retailer name, city, state, zip code, or decision date in the database. It is also possible to search by state or region using the interactive map. Businesses where FDA has completed compliance check inspections will display as pins.
Note: Though this database is regularly updated, absence of a retail establishment from this database does not imply compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.