Federal legal age to buy tobacco now 21

Smoking age raised to 21

On Dec. 20, President Donald Trump signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product — including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes — to anyone under 21.

The FDA helps retailers better understand their responsibilities for complying with the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act) and its implementing regulations by issuing guidance and education materials.