GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2015

SESSION LAW 2015-141

SENATE BILL 286

AN ACT prohibiting the sale of e‑liquid containers without child‑resistant packaging and without labeling e‑liquid containers that contain nicotine.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 52 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 14‑401.18A.  Sale of certain e‑liquid containers prohibited.

(a) The following definitions apply in this section:

(1) Child‑resistant packaging. – Packaging that is designed or constructed to be significantly difficult for children under five years of age to open or obtain a toxic or harmful amount of the substance contained therein within a reasonable time and not difficult for adults to use properly, but does not mean packaging which all such children cannot open or obtain a toxic or harmful amount within a reasonable time.

(2) E‑liquid. – A liquid product, whether or not it contains nicotine, that is intended to be vaporized and inhaled using a vapor product.

(3) E‑liquid container. – A bottle or other container of e‑liquid. The term does not include a container holding liquid that is intended for use in a vapor product if the container is pre‑filled and sealed by the manufacturer and is not intended to be opened by the consumer.

(4) Vapor product. – Any noncombustible product that employs a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit regardless of shape or size and that can be used to heat a liquid solution contained in a vapor cartridge. The term includes an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, and electronic pipe.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, offer for sale, or introduce into commerce in this State an e‑liquid container unless the container constitutes child‑resistant packaging. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class A1 misdemeanor.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, offer for sale, or introduce into commerce in this State an e‑liquid container for an e‑liquid product containing nicotine unless the packaging for the e‑liquid product states that the product contains nicotine. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class A1 misdemeanor.

(d) Any person, firm, or corporation that violates the provisions of this section shall be liable in damages to any person injured as a result of the violation."

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2015, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 29^th day of June, 2015.

                                                                    s/  Daniel J. Forest

                                                                         President of the Senate

                                                                    s/  Tim Moore

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

                                                                    s/  Pat McCrory

                                                                         Governor

Approved 1:45 p.m. this 8^th day of July, 2015