Legislation

Last updated on July 24, 2026

As of April 1, 2026, retailers who sell tobacco products, vapour products or both must display the same warning sign. See required warning signs or the latest notice for more information.

In British Columbia, a variety of laws govern the sale and use of tobacco and vapour products. Legislation is a key tool in:

Reducing tobacco and vapour product use
Preventing youth from accessing tobacco and vapour products
Protecting people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and vapour emissions

Notices to retailers

Learn more in previous notices to retailers:

Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation

The Ministry of Health administers the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation, and the five regional health authorities enforce them.

The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation regulate the use, sale, promotion and display of tobacco products. This legislation covers the following areas:

Restrictions on the sale, distribution and advertising or promotion of tobacco and vapour products
Requiring warning signs at points of sale
Restrictions on where tobacco and vapour products may be sold, offered for sale or distributed
Restrictions on where tobacco and vapour products may be used
Restrictions on the retail display of tobacco and vapour products
Restrictions on the advertising or promotion of the use of tobacco and vapour products
Bans smoking and vaping in indoor public and workplaces
Bans all smoking and vaping in schools and on school grounds
Enforcement officers’ rights to seize and detain evidence of a tobacco or vapour product contravention

Public Health Act and E-Substance Regulation

The E-Substances Regulation and the Health Hazards Regulation under the Public Health Act names the following as health hazards:

E-substances that contain non-therapeutic nicotine. Non-therapeutic nicotine is nicotine not used to reduce or stop tobacco and vapour product use. Examples of therapeutic nicotine are nicotine gum or lozenges
E-substances that do not contain nicotine, nicotine salts or cannabis

Naming these as health hazards allows public health officials to better manage their risks, particularly to youth. This means selling e-substances is a regulated activity under the Public Health Act.

The E-Substances Regulation outlines regulations on the sale, distribution, and packaging of vapour products. It also includes the reporting requirements for vapour product retailers. For more details on vapour retailer requirements, see the B.C.’s E-Substances Regulation: Retailers’ Guide (PDF, 1.4MB) and the Requirements for tobacco and vapour product retailers page.

Tobacco Tax Act

Tobacco taxes are effective for preventing youth from smoking and reducing tobacco use. Restrictions on youth access and promotion and display of tobacco are based on research that shows it’s more common for youth to start smoking than adults.

The Ministry of Finance administers the Tobacco Tax Act and Regulation. Retailers who wish to sell tobacco must apply for a Tobacco Retailer Authorization Certificate (PDF, 264KB). A separate certificate is required for each location where tobacco is sold.

The Ministry of Finance’s focus is the registration and tax of tobacco sales, but they may work with enforcement officers when someone violates these statutes. Enforcement officers’ investigations may include examining sales records, inventory records, tobacco stamps and tear tapes on inventory. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance are legally entitled to share information about authorized tobacco retailers in B.C.

Other tobacco and vaping related laws

There are other laws in B.C. that affect the usage of tobacco and vapour products. These laws include the following.

Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation, B.C. Reg. 89/97

B.C’s Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation, B.C. Reg. 89/97 provides the fine amounts for contraventions under tobacco and vapour product legislation.

Motor Vehicle Act

B.C.'s Motor Vehicle Act bans smoking and vaping in motor vehicles when individuals under the age of 16 are inside. This protects them from second-hand smoke.

Community Care and Assisted Living Act

B.C.’s Residential Care Regulation (Section 23) restricts smoking and vaping at residential care facilities.

B.C.’s Child Care Licensing Regulation (Section 13(3)) restricts smoking and vaping at licensed childcare facilities.

British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation, Part 4

B.C.'s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation restricts smoking and vaping to prevent second-hand smoke in the workplace.

Federal Tobacco Act and Regulations

Canada's Tobacco and Vapour Products Act and Regulation regulates the manufacturing, labelling, sales, displaying and advertising of all tobacco and vapour products across Canada to help protect the health of Canadians.

Local government bylaws

Many local governments in B.C. have additional tobacco and vapour product laws. Check with your local government for details.

The following resources can help you understand B.C.’s tobacco and vapour product legislation and how it is enforced:

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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