US FDA raises fines for nicotine companies and retailers to meet inflation adjustment requirements

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced an increase in fines for nicotine companies and retailers, applicable to those who violate regulations regarding vaping and other tobacco products.

On November 14, according to Vaporvoice, the FDA announced an increase in fines for nicotine companies and retailers if they violate various federal laws regarding nicotine products.  

This is part of the "2015 Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Improvements Act," which requires fines to be adjusted for inflation. The new fine amounts are as follows:  

• First violation — $0 (warning letter)

• 2 violations within 12 months — $345 (previously $320)

• 3 violations within 24 months — $687 (previously $638)

• 4 violations within 24 months — $2757 (previously $2559)

• 5 violations within 36 months — $6892 (previously $6397)

• 6 violations within 48 months — $13785 (previously $12794)  

Such civil penalties apply to e-cigarette and other tobacco companies or retailers found to be in violation of FDA regulations regarding e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. This includes e-cigarette companies that fail to use appropriate warning labels or retailers who do not check buyers' IDs when selling any nicotine products.