The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act is a federal law that seeks to regulate the sale of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco products, and vaporizer products. This act was introduced in 2010 with the intention of making sure these products are not sold illegally or without proper taxation. It's an important piece of legislation for retailers, manufacturers, and consumers alike, so let’s take a look at what you need to know about it.
In 2019 the PACT Act took effect. The ATF says, “The amended PACT Act statute bans the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from mailing vapes and other smokeless tobacco products. This amendment to the PACT Act is a coordinated partnership between ATF and USPS, and includes the Food and Drug Administrations’ Tobacco 21 law that prohibits the selling of all tobacco products to people under the age of 21 years old. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on 10/21/2021 as 39 CFR Parts 111 and 121, at p 58398. According to a 2019 CDC industry update, one out of every 10 high school students reported using tobacco products, due in part to easy access through mail deliveries and online sellers. In response to this issue, the PACT Act Amendment prohibits sellers from using the U.S. Post Office to ship e-cigarettes, vapes, flavored and smokeless tobacco products. The PACT Act applies to all shipments in interstate commerce (15 U.S.C. § 376) as well as to all delivery sales.”
What Does the PACT Act Do?
The primary purpose of the PACT Act is to reduce illegal cigarette trafficking and sales by requiring retailers to follow certain guidelines when selling these products. For example, they must obtain a permit from each state they ship cigarettes, vapes, or other tobacco products to and report all shipments on a monthly basis. They must also comply with all applicable state laws regarding minimum age requirements for purchasing these items, face-to-face sales only (no internet sales), and payment of taxes due on all sales. Additionally, sellers must provide buyers with proof of purchase such as an invoice or receipt.
The PACT Act also imposes civil penalties on those who violate its provisions; this includes retailers who fail to comply with any state laws regarding age restrictions or tax payments as well as individuals who are found guilty of transporting large quantities of cigarettes across state lines without paying applicable taxes. Violators may be subject to fines up to $5,000 per violation as well as possible imprisonment.
How Does This Affect SEO Searches?
The PACT Act has implications for SEO searches because it requires sellers to register their websites with search engines such as Google in order for them to appear in search results. This means that businesses selling cigarettes and other tobacco products would need to ensure their website is properly indexed in order for potential customers to find it online. This can help increase visibility for businesses selling these items legally while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Conclusion
The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act is an important piece of legislation that seeks to regulate the sale of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco products by requiring sellers to obtain permits from states they ship their product into and report shipments on a monthly basis. Additionally, businesses must comply with minimum age requirements for purchases and pay applicable taxes due on all sales in order to remain compliant with the law's provisions—violations can result in fines up to $5,000 per violation along with possible imprisonment. Finally, websites selling these items must be registered with search engines like Google so that potential customers can find them through SEO searches; this helps ensure compliance while increasing visibility for legal businesses operating within the confines of the law. By understanding how the PACT ACT affects your business operations today you can avoid costly fines while ensuring your company remains compliant going forward!
