FDA Tightens Age Verification for Tobacco Purchases

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased the minimum age for photo identification verification to buy tobacco products from under 27 years to under 30. Retailers must verify age for anyone under 30, and vending machines may not sell tobacco in locations where people under 21 are permitted.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Thursday that it has raised the minimum age for photo identification verification required to purchase tobacco products from under 27 years to under 30 years.

According to the FDA, tobacco retailers will now need to verify age for all customers under 30 and are prohibited from selling these products through vending machines in facilities where individuals under 21 are present or allowed entry.

This decision follows the FDA's 2019 regulation that increased the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 years.

(With inputs from agencies.)