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The FDA’s goal is to fight teen smoking and vaping

It is now illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase tobacco products in the United States.

The change came amid an uproar over teen smoking, especially teenagers’ use of “vaping” products, otherwise known as electronic cigarettes. A spate of deaths and serious lung injuries related to vaping swept the United States earlier this year.

On December 20, President Donald Trump signed legislation raising the minimum age for cigarette purchases from 18 to 21. However, it’s unclear when exactly the new regulations will go into effect: usually, there’s a six-month grace period from the date the legislation is signed before the law takes effect.

In a statement, the FDA said tobacco retailers have a duty to protect youth from nicotine addiction and the adverse effects of smoking.

“Tobacco retailers play a direct role in protecting kids from nicotine addiction and the deadly effects of tobacco use. Learn what tobacco retailers need to do to comply with the rules designed to prevent our nation’s youth from becoming the next generation of Americans to die prematurely from tobacco-related disease,” the FDA said. “If you sell tobacco products, you must comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations for retailers. By complying with these regulations, retailers help keep tobacco products out of the hands of youth.”