Rhode Island Statewide Rule

Rhode Island Flavored Tobacco and Vape Restrictions

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island bans the sale of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products other than tobacco flavor through a Department of Health regulation, and enforces the federal flavored-cigarette ban through retail licensing under Chapter 44-20.

Key Facts

Flavored ENDS: Banned except tobacco flavor
Ban source: DOH regulation (2019 order)
Enforcement: Division of Taxation
Cigarette flavor ban: Federal since 2009
Local rules: Some cities add limits

Source: Rhode Island General Assembly

Full Breakdown

Rhode Island prohibits the sale of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system (ENDS) products other than tobacco flavor through a Department of Health regulation that originated in a 2019 executive order during the vaping-illness outbreak; the Division of Taxation enforces the sales prohibition. Flavored cigarettes other than menthol have been banned federally since 2009, and Rhode Island enforces tobacco rules through its retailer-licensing scheme under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 44-20. Some municipalities, including Providence, have adopted additional flavored-tobacco restrictions on cigars and menthol products.

Violations & Penalties

Selling restricted flavored vapor products can result in license suspension, civil penalties, and seizure of inventory under Division of Taxation and Department of Health enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are menthol vapes legal in Rhode Island?

No. Menthol and other non-tobacco flavored electronic nicotine products are prohibited under Rhode Island's flavored-ENDS regulation administered by the Department of Health.

Can cities pass their own flavor bans?

Yes. Several Rhode Island municipalities have adopted additional local restrictions on flavored tobacco products.

Sources

Source

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