North Carolina Tobacco Retail Regulations: What You Need

NC Retail Compliance

North Carolina has specific regulations for tobacco and vape retailers. Here's your compliance checklist.

Licensing Requirements

• Tobacco Products Tax License — Required from the NC Department of Revenue
• Business License — Standard local business license
• Sales Tax Certificate — NC sales tax registration

Age Verification

• Minimum age: 21 for all tobacco and nicotine products
• ID check required for anyone appearing under 30
• Acceptable IDs: Driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport
• No exceptions — even for regular customers

Product Restrictions

• All products must be properly labeled
• No sales of flavored cigarettes (excluding menthol)
• Vape products must comply with PACT Act shipping requirements
• Hemp-derived products must contain under 0.3% delta-9 THC

Signage Requirements

• Post age restriction signs at point of sale
• Display NC tobacco tax license
• Health warning signage as required

Penalties

Violations can result in fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 and potential license revocation. It's not worth the risk.

PCW Compliance Support

We only carry products with full compliance documentation. Every product ships with applicable COAs, lab results, and compliance certificates.