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South Carolina Statewide Rule

South Carolina Vape and E-Cigarette Retail Rules Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across South Carolina (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
SC Code § 16-17-500 et seq.
Sale age
21 under federal law
SC statute age
18 (not updated)
Age verification
Required, including online
Local authority
Limited public-health role
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: South Carolina Legislature

Summary

South Carolina regulates vape and e-cigarette retail through its tobacco and alternative-nicotine laws in Title 16, Chapter 17. Retailers may not sell to anyone under 21 under federal Tobacco 21 law, must verify age, and follow youth-access display rules.

A retailer must submit whether it sells tobacco, tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices or e-liquid, as defined in Section 16-17-501(3) and (4), or any other product used for smoking with its retail application. A retailer not previously designated as a tobacco retail establishment, as defined in Section 16-17-501, shall notify the department in the manner prescribed by the department prior to selling tobacco products. For the purposes of this section, tobacco retailers and tobacco retail establishments that have a retail license must supplement their retail license application to notify the department that they sell or distribute tobacco or tobacco products. For the purposes of this section, a retailer that sells tobacco, tobacco products, or any other product used for smoking that does not disclose on their initial retail application or supplement their retail license application is subject to a fine of not more than two hundred dollars and must file within fifteen days of notification of a failure to file. A retailer that fails to file within fifteen days after the notification is subject to a fine of two thousand dollars.

Source: South Carolina LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Retailers selling vapor products and electronic smoking devices in South Carolina follow the alternative-nicotine provisions of Title 16, Chapter 17. Sales to anyone under 21 are barred by federal Tobacco 21 law; South Carolina's own statute, § 16-17-500, still references 18 and has not been raised, while § 16-17-501 defines electronic smoking devices and e-liquid. Retailers must check identification for young-looking buyers, post required signage, and keep products out of self-service reach where minors have access. Remote and internet sales require third-party age verification. Counties retain limited public-health authority but cannot conflict with the state framework.

Violations & Penalties

Selling vapor products to underage buyers brings civil fines starting around one hundred dollars per violation, escalating for repeat offenses, with possible permit or license action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is required to buy vape products in South Carolina?
21. Federal Tobacco 21 law applies statewide. South Carolina's own statute still references 18, but retailers must follow the federal 21 minimum.
Do retailers need a license for vape sales in South Carolina?
Retailers must comply with state tobacco and alternative-nicotine requirements, including age verification and display rules. Online and remote sellers must use third-party age verification.

Sources

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