FDA Issues Rule Restricting Access and Marketing of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco Products to Youth March 19, 2010

The Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule containing broad federal requirements designed to curb the access of tobacco products to children and adolescents.  The rule, published March 19, 2010, takes effect 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 fewer 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.

Read the FDA rule restricting access and marketing of tobacco products to youth.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Read the Tobacco Control Legal Consortium’s factsheets on FDA regulation of tobacco.
tclconline.org