Kaine discusses final rule for ID requirements involving tobacco products

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Back in 2019, the legal age to purchase tobacco products was raised from 18 to 21, an important step towards keeping tobacco products out of the hands of youth.

The FDA issued a final rule this week after the normal rulemaking process about the ID requirement that retailers and others must meet before they sell tobacco products to ensure that they're not selling to people who are under 21.

“The ID requirement regulations for the last piece needed to fit together, and the FDA issued that rule this week. It's an accomplishment that I'm really proud of. Senator [Mitch] McConnell and we agreed back in 2019 to work on this together," said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

Kaine says the final rule regarding ID requirements for purchasing tobacco products at retail establishments will go into effect on September 30.