Rhode Island Statewide Rule

Rhode Island Vape Retail Licensing and Sale Requirements

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Rhode Island (2026)

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.

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

Source: Rhode Island General Assembly

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?

No. Flavored electronic nicotine products other than tobacco flavor are prohibited under a Rhode Island Department of Health regulation, enforced by the Division of Taxation.

Do vape shops need a special license?

Yes. Tobacco and ENDS retailers must hold a license from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation under Chapter 44-20 and comply with age-21 and labeling rules.

Sources

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