Attorney General Jeff Jackson called on May 7 for credit card companies to strengthen safeguards against the sale of illegal vaping products to minors. Jackson, joined by attorneys general from several states and jurisdictions, said that payment processors should take more responsibility in preventing underage access to e-cigarettes online.
The issue is significant because e-cigarettes are regulated under both federal and state law due to their addictive nature and potential health risks. All e-cigarette products must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before they can be legally sold, but only a limited number have received such approval. This means most vaping products currently available are not authorized for sale.
“It shouldn’t be this easy for a kid to go online and buy a vape using a credit card,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “Credit card companies need to create stronger safeguards that stop kids from being able to buy illegal products that are harmful for them.”
In North Carolina, manufacturers must certify their products with the Department of Revenue before selling them in the state, and it is illegal to sell or provide e-cigarettes to anyone underage. Online sellers are also required by law to verify buyers’ ages before completing sales; however, many fail to follow these requirements designed for youth protection.
North Carolina has played a leading role in addressing unregulated vaping product sales, including being the first state nationwide to sue Juul over its marketing practices directed at young people—a case resulting in a $47.8 million judgment against the company. The coalition of attorneys general is now urging payment processors and credit card companies not only to improve age verification but also prohibit merchants who break laws from using their networks.
The North Carolina State Executive Attorney General aims to prevent crime, assist law enforcement, protect consumers and defend residents’ rights; it provides legal representation across the entire state of North Carolina as well as criminal prosecution support and consumer protection services according to the official website. Jackson heads this office as attorney general.
