Tobacco Issues

Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act

Due to the rapidly growing market for e-cigarettes, EMA fully supports efforts by Senators Cornyn (R-TX) and Feinstein (D-CA) to amend the “Prevent all Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act)” through the “Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act” (S.1253) to also include e-cigarettes in the definition that already includes cigarettes. The PACT Act was enacted in 2010 to reduce underage purchases of cigarettes online and to ensure that online retailers pay state and local taxes on their sales of cigarettes.  Specifically, the PACT Act requires internet sellers of cigarettes to ensure that delivery agents check identification in person upon the delivery of cigarettes.

After passing the Senate in July, the bill now goes to conference companion legislation (H.R. 3942) that passed in the House earlier this year. A final bill could be voted on later this year during the lame duck session after the elections.

“THE ASK” All lawmakers

• Urge your lawmakers to pass the “Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act” (S.1253, H.R. 3942) this year because it will reduce underage purchases of e-cigarettes online and ensure that online retailers pay state and local taxes on their sales of e-cigarettes.

EMA STAFF CONTACT:  Bradley Norman, bnorman@emamerica.org