Substitute House Bill No. 5539 introduces comprehensive regulations for dealers and manufacturers of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and vapor products in Connecticut. The bill establishes a dealer registration process, requiring businesses to obtain a valid registration from the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, which must be displayed at the point of sale. It mandates that dealers verify the age of customers, restrict entry to those under 21, and maintain detailed records to demonstrate compliance with revenue requirements. Additionally, the bill imposes a compliance bond of at least $250,000 for dealers whose revenue is significantly derived from tobacco-related products, with penalties for violations including fines of up to $10,000 and the potential forfeiture of the compliance bond. The bill also reduces the threshold for financial interest disclosure from ten percent to five percent and requires annual renewal of dealer registrations with associated fees.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new registration requirements for manufacturers, mandating that they register their products with the Department of Consumer Protection by January 1, 2027, and pay an initial fee of $2,000, along with an annual renewal fee of $500. The DCP will maintain a directory of registered products, and starting January 1, 2028, only products listed in this directory may be sold in the state. The bill enhances enforcement measures, allowing the DCP to impose civil penalties for violations and classify unregistered products as common nuisances subject to seizure. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure compliance with health and safety standards in the sale of tobacco and nicotine products, while also aligning with existing consumer protection laws.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-286