Rhode Island Statewide Rule
Rhode Island Vape Retail Licensing and Sale Requirements
Key Facts
- Licensing authority
- RI Division of Taxation
- Statute
- Chapter 44-20 (Section 44-20-2)
- Flavored ENDS
- Banned by DOH regulation
- Minimum age
- 21 (Section 11-9-13)
- ENDS tax
- $0.50 per milliliter
Summary
Rhode Island licenses tobacco and electronic nicotine-delivery system (ENDS) retailers through the Division of Taxation under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 44-20, requires age-21 verification, and bans flavored ENDS by Department of Health regulation.
Each person engaging in the business of selling cigarette and/or any other tobacco products and/or any electronic nicotine-delivery system products in this state, including any manufacturer, importer, distributor, or dealer, shall secure a license from the administrator before engaging in that business, or continuing to engage in it. A separate application and license is required for each place of business operated by a distributor, manufacturer, importer, or dealer; provided, that an operator of vending machines for cigarette products is not required to obtain a distributor's license for each machine.
Full Breakdown
Retailers selling tobacco products or electronic nicotine-delivery systems (ENDS) must hold a license from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 44-20 (Section 44-20-2). ENDS dealer and distributor licensing moved to the Division of Taxation effective January 1, 2025, which also enforces a $0.50-per-milliliter ENDS excise tax. Rhode Island prohibits the sale of flavored ENDS other than tobacco flavor through a Department of Health regulation originating from a 2019 executive order. Retailers must verify photo ID and may not sell to anyone under 21 under Section 11-9-13.
Violations & Penalties
Selling without a Division of Taxation license or in violation of the flavored-ENDS ban can bring fines, license suspension or revocation, and seizure of inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flavored vapes legal to sell in Rhode Island?
Do vape shops need a special license?
Sources
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