S.B. 1525 Summary

• Requires manufacturers of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids containing nicotine to certify annually by August 1 that their products have received FDA marketing authorization or have a pending/stayed premarket tobacco product application, with certification fee of $250 per product.

• Mandates the Department of Taxation maintain and publish a public directory of approved manufacturers and products by October 1, 2025, updated monthly, with products not listed prohibited from sale in Hawaii after a 60-day transition period.

• Imposes civil penalties on retailers/dealers selling unlisted products: $500 per product for first violation, $750-$1,000 with 14-day license suspension for second violation, $1,000-$1,500 with 60-day suspension for third, and $1,000-$1,500 with one-year suspension for fourth violation within 12 months.

• Requires manufacturers to notify the department within 30 days of material changes to certification and requires nonresident/foreign manufacturers to appoint a U.S. service agent and post a $25,000 surety bond.

• Authorizes the department to conduct at least two unannounced annual compliance checks of retailers and dealers, with follow-up inspections within 30 days of violations; effective July 1, 2025.