Virginia Enforces Vape Product Directory Law Starting April 1
Key Points at a Glance
- As of April 1, Virginia vape shops may sell only those e-liquids and vaping products that appear in the state directory.
- The Office of the Attorney General of Virginia has recommended that local prosecutors commence enforcement of this law.
- Retailers selling products not listed in the directory face daily fines of $1,000 for each non-compliant product.
- The law was temporarily halted in December 2025 by a federal judge’s preliminary injunction. However, this injunction was subsequently lifted by a federal appeals court in February 2026.
- The Virginia General Assembly has passed HB 308 and SB 620, legislation proposing to transfer the authority for vape product enforcement and licensing to the state’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
Virginia Limits Vape Sales to State-Approved Products
April 1, 2026. According to Virginia Scope, effective April 1. Vape shops across Virginia are restricted to selling only those e-liquids and vaping products that have been officially listed in the state directory.
Unlisted Vape Products Banned From Sale
The Office of the Attorney General of Virginia has advised prosecutors throughout the Commonwealth to begin enforcing this law, which was originally passed in 2024.
Attorney General Highlights Risks of Unregulated Products
Attorney General Jay Jones stated that. Historically, vape shops have been able to sell unregulated products without penalty. Products for which negative health effects on both adults and minors have been well-documented.
Retailers Urged to Verify Compliance With State Directory
The Virginia Retail Federation advises store operators to consult the state directory to verify that all products currently being sold are officially listed. Furthermore, retailers are urged to remove any unlisted products from their shelves and return them to the manufacturers. While meticulously documenting every step of this removal and return process. According to regulations, if retailers continue to sell products not listed in the directory. They will face fines of $1,000 per product per day until the product is either removed or added to the directory.
Court Rulings Delayed Enforcement Timeline
Court proceedings had previously led to a delay in enforcement, and the grace period was ultimately extended to April 1.
In December 2025, U.S. District Judge David J. Novak issued a preliminary injunction against the law, allowing businesses to continue selling unregistered nicotine products without penalty. In early February 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit granted a stay of that injunction.
Grace Period Extended to Allow Industry Compliance
The law originally stipulated a 60-day grace period for the nicotine industry, commencing on January 1. The date the directory of registered brands went live.
Last week, Jay Jones sent a letter to manufacturers, retailers, and distributors stating that, due to the confusion surrounding the injunction, his office had decided to extend the grace period until April 1, rather than ending it in early March as originally scheduled under the 60-day limit.
The letter noted that this adjustment period is intended to ensure that all affected parties have sufficient time to comply with the law.
Virginia Legislature Advances Stronger Vape Enforcement Measures
Reports also indicate that the Virginia Legislature took further measures this year to curb the use of liquid nicotine products by minors. Two identical bills—HB 308 and SB 620—collectively constitute the “Vape Enforcement Act.”
Proposed Shift of Enforcement Authority to ABC
These bills propose transferring the enforcement and licensing responsibilities for nicotine products from the Department of Taxation to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. They also mandate inspections every 24 months to ensure that retail outlets do not sell tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21.
Lawmakers Emphasize Penalties for Non-Compliance
State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg, one of the bill’s sponsors, stated that stores should not sell products to minors, nor should they sell illicit goods; if they do, they should be penalized.
Bills Await Governor’s Final Decision
These bills have passed the Virginia Legislature and are currently awaiting action by Governor Abigail Spanberger.
