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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Tobacco Products

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Youth & Tobacco

Each day in the United States 3,600 kids under 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette, and an estimated 900 kids become daily cigarette smokers. Many of these kids will become addicted before they are old enough to understand the risks and will ultimately die too young of tobacco-related diseases. FDA is working to protect the health of America’s children and ultimately reduce the burden of illness and death caused by tobacco use. 

 

Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco to Protect Children and Adolescents.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FDA is issuing a final rule that contains a broad set of federal requirements designed to significantly curb access to and the appeal of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to children and adolescents in the United States
The new rule became effective on June 22, 2010, and has the force and effect of law. Among other things, the rule:

  • Prohibits the sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to people
    younger than 18,
  • Prohibits the sale of cigarette packages with less than 20 cigarettes,
  • Prohibits distribution of free samples of cigarettes,
  • Restricts distribution of free samples of smokeless tobacco, and
  • Prohibits tobacco brand name sponsorship of any athletic, musical or other social or cultural events 

 

Flavored Tobacco

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On September 22, 2009, FDA banned cigarettes with characterizing fruit and clove flavors -- cigarettes that have special appeal for children.  The agency’s national effort to enforce this provision of the Tobacco Control Act and to advise parents about the dangers of flavored tobacco products was an important first step for responsible tobacco regulation that will protect the American public.

 

Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco

Learn more about how FDA issued a final rule containing a broad set of federal requirements designed to significantly curb access to and the appeal of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to children and adolescents in the United States.

 

 

 

 

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Resources for Parents

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Resources for Industry

  • Connect with Us
    Stay connected with emails, text messages, RSS Feeds, content syndication, social media and more to learn about the latest federal tobacco regulations.
  • Tobacco Retailers and the FDA
    Do you sell tobacco products? Then you must comply with these federal laws.
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