Pennsylvania vape laws

Key rules

• Minimum sale age is 21 (18 for active military members and veterans).

  18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6305(a)

• E-cigarettes are taxed at 40% of the purchase price charged to the retailer.

  72 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8202-A(a.1)

• Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, must be sold in original, unaltered manufacturer packaging.

  72 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8233-A

• A license is required to sell or manufacture e-cigarettes.

  72 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8220-A(a)

• Self-service displays are limited to specialty tobacco stores.

  18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6305(a)(6)

• E-cigarettes are prohibited in schools, school vehicles and school property.

  18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6306.1

Can you order vapes online in Pennsylvania?

Online retailers that ship to Pennsylvania must still follow the federal PACT Act (age verification and adult signature on delivery). Check the retailer’s shipping policy.

Federal rules that apply everywhere

• Only e-cigarettes with an FDA marketing authorization may be lawfully sold in the United States. As of FDA’s August 28, 2026 update, that is 48 products from five manufacturers.

  FDA — E-Cigarettes Authorized by the FDA

• Federal minimum age to buy any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, is 21.

  FDA — Tobacco 21

• Advertising for e-cigarettes by manufacturers, distributors and retailers must carry the warning “WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.”

  21 CFR 1143.3

See every product the FDA has authorized: FDA-authorized vapes list.

Sources

• Public Health Law Center — E-Cigarette Regulations, Pennsylvania (as of June 15, 2025)
• FDA — E-Cigarettes Authorized by the FDA
• FDA — Tobacco 21
• 21 CFR 1143.3

Last reviewed by TristateVape: September 24, 2026.

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