The PACT Act governs how vaping products are sold and shipped in the United States. For retailers, staying compliant isn’t optional — it protects your license, your business, and your ability to keep buying from legitimate suppliers. This is a plain-English checklist of what matters most. (It’s general information, not legal advice — check your state and local rules too.)
What the PACT Act covers
At its core, the PACT Act sets requirements around age verification, shipping, record-keeping, and reporting for tobacco and vaping products. It affects both how you receive shipments from distributors and how you handle any sales you ship yourself.
Your retailer checklist
- Buy from compliant distributors — work only with suppliers who ship fully PACT Act compliant and handle age verification and required reporting.
- Verify age at every sale — enforce 21+ ID checks in-store and on any delivery, with no exceptions.
- Keep your license current — maintain a valid retail/tobacco license and have it ready when opening wholesale accounts.
- Maintain records — keep clear records of what you buy and sell as required in your jurisdiction.
- Know your state rules — flavor restrictions, registration, and taxes vary by state and locality; stay current on yours.
Why your distributor matters
A lot of your compliance burden is shaped by who you buy from. An authorized master distributor that ships PACT Act compliant, verifies age, and files the required reports takes a significant load off your shoulders. Grey-market sellers that cut these corners put your license at risk — the low price isn’t worth it.
Make compliance routine
The retailers who never worry about compliance are the ones who built it into their routine: ID checks every time, clean records, current licenses, and a trusted supplier. Treat it as part of running the business, not a once-a-year scramble.
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