North Carolina Tightens Vape Product Directory Enforcement, Expands State and Local Powers as Violators Face Fines, Product Seizures and License Suspension or Revocation
North Carolina expands enforcement of its vape product directory, adding state and local agencies, annual unannounced inspections, and new fines, seizures, and license penalties.Summary
North Carolina has strengthened enforcement of its vapor product directory system, established in 2024, by expanding authority to state and local law enforcement and creating a multiagency task force led by the State Bureau of Investigation. The legislation requires at least one unannounced compliance inspection annually for retailers, distributors, and wholesalers of covered products. New civil penalties effective October 1, 2026, include fines of $500–$750 for a first violation and $1,000–$1,500 for repeated violations within 12 months, with potential 30-day license suspension or revocation. Manufacturers allowing unlisted products to be sold may face $10,000 per product. Noncompliant products are subject to seizure, forfeiture, and disposal. The measures, enacted through Senate Bill 257 and House Bill 268, aim to support compliant retailers and enhance market accountability.
(Source：2Firsts)
