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A tobacco retail license (TRL) is required for retailers in the State of Oregon that sell tobacco or inhalant delivery systems (IDS), such as e-cigarettes and other vaping products.
The TRL program helps keep tobacco products out of the hands of young people by enforcing state laws and restrictions on their sale.
The tobacco retail license covers commercial tobacco products, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and IDS products (also known as “e-cigarettes” and “vape”), chewing tobacco, cigars, and other products that contain nicotine. The license does not include FDA approved tobacco cessation products like nicotine replacement patches and gum.
| Product | Covered by TRL? |
|---|---|
| Chewing tobacco | Yes |
| Cigarettes | Yes |
| Cigarillos | Yes |
| Cigars | Yes |
| E-cigarettes or vapes (including e-liquids) | Yes |
| FDA-approved tobacco cessation products (patches, gum, lozenges) | No |
| Hookah pipes | Yes |
| Little cigars | Yes |
| Pipes | Yes |
| Shisha | Yes |
| Smokeless tobacco | Yes |
Clackamas County’s Environmental Health program enforces TRL on behalf of the Oregon Health Authority. Local enforcement of TRL allows Clackamas County to build better relationships with retailers via outreach and education.
For full program details and resources for retailers, visit the Oregon Health Authority’s website. To apply for a license, visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website.
Packaging Attractive to Minors Enforcement Begins July 1, 2024
Oregon law states that inhalant delivery systems (IDS) must not be packaged in a manner that is attractive to minors. This includes, but is not limited to, IDS that are:
- In the shape of any animal, commercially recognizable toy, sports equipment, commercially recognizable candy, or images of minors; or
- A commercially recognizable toy, sports equipment, or commercially recognizable candy attached to the package.
TRL inspectors will begin enforcing this law on July 1, 2024, through compliance inspections. For more information, see the Oregon Health Authority’s fact sheet and frequently asked questions sheet.
Don’t Forget: The Minimum Sales Age for Tobacco Products is 21
In 2023, 1 out of every 4 retailers in Clackamas County were fined for selling tobacco products to persons under 21 years old. Even though most of these businesses checked the ID of the underage person buying tobacco, they still proceeded with the sale.
Oregon driver’s licenses and ID cards include the dates that the holder turns age 18 and 21. Tobacco products, which include IDS, may not be sold to anyone under the age of 21.
For a quick reference guide on how to read an Oregon ID, visit OHA's resource page. The guide is available in multiple languages.
Exceptions to the TRL Program
The license does not apply to:
- Retailers on tribal lands
- Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) licensed marijuana retailers
- Oregon Health Authority (OHA) licensed Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) marijuana dispensaries that do not sell IDS that contain nicotine
Contact
For more information about the Clackamas County TRL program:
- Email trl@clackamas.us
For questions about Oregon Health Authority (OHA) inspections and enforcement:
- Email tobacco.inspections@state.or.us
- Call 971-673-0984
For questions about Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) Inspections and enforcement:
- Email trl.help@dor.oregon.gov
