FDA Hopes Youth Tobacco Access and Attractiveness Diminishes

The Food and Drug Administration recently 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. The new rule, Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco to Protect Children and Adolescents, restricts the sale, distribution, and promotion of these products to make them less accessible and less attractive to kids. The rule becomes effective June 22 and has the force and effect of a law.

The FDA will work closely with states and territories to ensure that retailers comply with the rule. The FDA will also work with the retail community over the coming months to educate them about the new requirements and assist them in understanding how to comply with them and help protect our children and adolescents from these addictive products.

Manufacturers and retailers who do not comply with the rule may be subject to enforcement action.

The rule was originally crafted in the 1990s by the Food and Drug Administration. After being set aside by the Supreme Court, it was included as a key provision of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

For more information, including a copy of the final rule, fact sheets, and a set of general questions and answers, go to www.fda.gov/protectingkidsfromtobacco.