Why Compliance Is So Important

Compliance is an essential aspect of any industry, and the tobacco industry is no exception.

To protect public health and limit the negative effects of tobacco use, the tobacco industry is heavily regulated by the government, and compliance is critical in ensuring that all laws and regulations are followed to the letter. Non-compliance with tobacco regulations can result in legal issues for companies that don’t play by the rules, including fines, penalties, and lawsuits, which could end up costing you more than just your company’s reputation. It could end up costing you your business. When working with tobacco, whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, implementing a strict government compliance effort reiterates that responsible selling is always top of mind.

It’s important to remember that proposals for new tobacco regulations are consistently being presented at not just the federal level, but also at state and local levels. While FDA rulings are usually longer and more drawn out, that’s not to say a new local regulation can’t happen overnight and products that were allowed in store one day must be removed the next. Tobacco wholesalers and retailers can inadvertently be impacted by new laws without warning so it’s critical to work with reliable and compliant suppliers. Playing by the rules is non-negotiable and when it comes to tobacco, there’s no room for gray area. Compliance communicates trust with your vendors, industry regulators, and your customers. It’s an important part of business that can’t be overlooked, so ensure you’re educated, or surround yourself with good resources to be compliant whether that be an employee, legal counsel, or industry associations.

Compliance is essential to protecting your business and your customers and if not followed, you risk getting thrown out of the game. There is never a dull moment in tobacco and with the regulatory landscape consistently changing, it’s going to be important now more than ever to stay involved. Here at Cheyenne, we strongly believe in the fair regulation of tobacco products to preserve the livelihood of those who work in our industry, everyone from the farm to the factory to the warehouse to the store. Join us in protecting the right to choose for adult tobacco consumers by prioritizing compliance.