North Carolina has implemented a new law restricting the sale of most disposable vape products that lack Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval or are in the premarket application process.
The measure, originating from House Bill 900 and signed last year, went into effect on May 1, with a 60-day grace period that concluded on July 1. After this deadline, retailers are prohibited from selling disposable vapes not included in the North Carolina Department of Revenue’s Vapor Certification Directory.
Products with pending FDA pre-market applications are still allowed during the approval process. However, those without approval or submitted applications are now illegal to sell. Tobacco-only and federally approved e-cigarettes, including certain pods and nicotine liquids, are permitted.
Retailers must obtain a vapor product license and remove non-compliant disposable vape products by June 29 to avoid fines, license suspension, or revocation. The Department of Revenue will enforce the new restrictions, though the specific mechanisms for enforcement have not been publicly detailed.
The change comes amid concerns over youth vaping, with state health data indicating that approximately one in eight high school students in North Carolina vape. Supporters argue the ban will reduce access to flavored disposable devices that are especially popular with minors. Some store owners report significant sales declines and price increases as a result.
Manufacturers of banned vape brands have challenged the law in federal court. Observers note that the state’s allowance of products with pending applications may still leave popular flavored vapes on the market under temporary authorization.
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