Starting September 30, retailers selling tobacco products must check the IDs of buyers under the age of 30, according to a new rule from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rule also limits tobacco vending machine sales to locations accessible only to individuals aged 21 and above.Reason Behind The MoveThis move is part of the FDA's efforts to reduce tobacco use among young people. Dr. Brian King, head of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, emphasised that keeping tobacco products away from youth is crucial in preventing addiction and the long-term health risks associated with tobacco use. According to decades of research, restricting access to tobacco can significantly reduce the number of people who become addicted to these harmful products.Where Does The New Rule Apply?The new regulation applies not only to traditional tobacco products but also to e-cigarettes, which have gained popularity among young users. Despite a decline in recent years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 10 high school students and 1 in 22 middle school students admitted to vaping in the past 30 days.What Do The Studies Say?The FDA's focus on restricting tobacco sales is backed by studies showing that 9 out of 10 adults who smoke daily started before the age of 18. The federal age limit for purchasing tobacco products was raised from 18 to 21 in 2019, and previously, retailers had to ask for ID from buyers under 27.What's Banned And What's Not?However, the FDA has yet to impose a ban on menthol and flavoured tobacco products, which many experts believe are especially appealing to young people. Flavored tobacco, including menthol, is seen as a significant factor in attracting kids and teens to smoking. The FDA has been considering these restrictions for over a decade, but the final decision is still awaiting approval from the Biden administration.While the new rule is a step forward, the FDA remains vigilant in ensuring that retailers comply with the regulations. The agency has conducted 1.5 million inspections to date, resulting in 130,000 warning letters, more than 33,000 fines, and over 200 orders prohibiting tobacco sales for stores that have violated age restrictions.