Skip to content Skip to footer

the state of

Pennsylvania

State Legislative Info

GOVERNOR

Josh Shapiro
Office of the Governor
508 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2500
Fax: (717) 772-8284

THE SENATE

Secretary-Parliamentarian
Michael Gerdes
Senate Box 203053
Harrisburg 17120-3053
462 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-5920

THE house

Office of the Chief Clerk
Brooke Wheeler
PA House of Representatives
Room 129
Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2372
Fax: (717) 787-4990

find your reps
Looking for the
latest info?
Join your state's Facebook group!

Share news, events, and upcoming legislation with other members near you

join now

current laws & taxes

regulating smokeless tobacco & vapor products

learn more

9 tips for being an advocate

learn more

Get Involved

with national calls to action
take action

Pennsylvania CALLS TO ACTION

Find Your Legislators

LEGISLATOR LOOKUP

Pennsylvania LAWS & TAXES

laws

  • Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act has not been amended to prohibit the use of vapor products where smoking is prohibited.
    The following municipalities have ordinances that prohibit vaping where smoking is prohibited (some exclude bars and restaurants): Philadelphia (Includes outdoor spaces) and Alleghany County.1
  • A license or permit is required to sell vapor products.2
  • Philadelphia restricts non-tobacco flavored and high nicotine vapor products to adults-only stores. This requirement could cause many out-of-state online retailers to refuse to ship to the state.4

Tobacco/Vapor 21 Law: Federal law passed December 20, 2019 prohibits sales of all tobacco and vapor products to anyone under the age of 21 years old. FDA stated law became effective on that date. States may choose to continue with current age law at the risk of losing federal funding. Pennsylvania passed Tobacco/Vapor 21 in November 2019, which will take effect July 2020.

A minor is guilty of a summary offense if the minor purchases or attempts to purchase a tobacco or vapor product.5

The sale of vapor products to persons under age 21 (under age 18 if military member or veteran) in Pennsylvania is prohibited.6

Flavor Bans: Federal law prohibits the sale of closed system devices (pods, cartridges) containing e-liquid in flavors other than tobacco or menthol. Philadelphia restricts sale of flavored vapor products and nicotine levels over 20 mg/mL to adults-only stores.

taxes

  • Vapor products are taxed at a rate of 40% of the purchase price, paid by the retailer.3
  • The tax on smoke-free tobacco is 55¢ per ounce, with a minimum tax per package of 66¢.3
  1. Wikipedia – List of vaping bans in the United States
  2. Purdon’s Pennsylvania Statutes and Consolidated Statutes – Title 72 P.S. Taxation and Fiscal Affairs – Chapter 5. Tax Reform Code of 1971 – Article XII-a. Tobacco Products Tax
  3. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue – Other Tobacco Products Tax
  4. Mayor Kenney Signs 3 Bills to Restrict Sale of Vaping and Tobacco Products
  5. § 6305. (a.1) Purchase of Tobacco Products
  6. § 6305. Sale of tobacco products

Updated April 2024

9 Tips for Being an Advocate

We Can't Do It Without Your Support

We rely on donations from generous supporters like you.
Every little bit helps!

DONATE