U.S. Senate Passes Bill to End Online Sales to Minors

The vote was unanimous. On July 1, the U.S. Senate passed the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act (S.1253) by unanimous consent. The legislation aims end online e-cigarette sales to minors by applying the same measures that are required when traditional cigarettes are purchased online. The House passed its version of the bill last year.

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) said it strongly supports S. 1253, which “ensures responsible retailing of e-cigarettes and age verification across all channels. The legislation would require online sellers of e-cigarettes to ensure the delivery carrier verifies the age of the recipient upon delivery. It would also require online sellers to collect and remit the appropriate state and local taxes,” according to a story on the NACS website.

These rules are already in place for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products purchased over the internet after Congress passes the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act, in 2010. Language for vapor products was not included in the law.

“It’s been long in coming, but finally the Senate has now passed legislation that requires the same proof of age requirement that is needed for tobacco products for e-cigarettes and vaping products, particularly those that are sold over the internet,” stated Senator John Cornyn in his speech on the Senate floor.

After Wednesday’s vote, the legislation is one step closer to becoming law. Last October, the House passed its version of the bill (H.R. 3942) on suspension. Given that the Senate bill is slightly different than the House version, the House will need to pass the Senate’s version before it can become law, according to NACS.