Attorney General Jeff Jackson of North Carolina has called on Shopify to do more to prevent the sale of e-cigarettes to minors through its platform. In a recent statement, Jackson emphasized the importance of upholding existing regulations designed to protect young people from harmful products. “If states and the federal government create laws to protect our residents, companies can’t sidestep those for their own profit,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “We have protections against selling e-cigarettes to children because we know how harmful it is for them, and we need Shopify to step up and keep those products off of its platforms.”
E-cigarettes are subject to strict federal and state regulations due to concerns over their addictive nature and health risks, especially among youth. Under federal law, all new tobacco products require authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be marketed or sold in the United States. Products without FDA approval cannot be shipped or delivered across state lines, nor can they be sold to anyone under 21.
In North Carolina, manufacturers must certify their e-cigarette products with the Department of Revenue before sales are allowed in the state. It is illegal in North Carolina to sell or give e-cigarettes to individuals under 18, and online sellers are required by law to verify customers’ ages prior to completing sales. The state previously became the first in the country to win a legal judgment against Juul Labs Inc., securing $47.8 million after suing over advertising and sales targeting minors.
Shopify has previously removed vendors for unlawful activities but continues to face challenges as merchants find ways to use its services for selling e-cigarettes. A bipartisan group of attorneys general is now urging Shopify’s cooperation in preventing illegal sales through its platform.
Attorneys general from California, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin; Puerto Rico; and New York City joined Attorney General Jackson in sending a letter urging action from Shopify.
A copy of the letter sent by these officials is available online.
