In an historic victory for America’s children and health, Congress and President Obama in June 2009 gave the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. This new law ended the special protection from regulation that the tobacco industry enjoyed for decades and represents a milestone in protecting Americans from the devastating health consequences of tobacco use.

The new rule became effective on June 22, 2010, and has the force and effect of law. Among other things, the rule:

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  • Prohibits the sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to people younger than 18,
  • Prohibits the sale of cigarette packages with less 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.

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