Tobacco Compliance and Enforcement

Health Care & Insurance

Tobacco Compliance and Enforcement is responsible for enforcing and monitoring compliance with the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement ("MSA") signed in 1998 by major tobacco companies and Attorneys General from 52 states and jurisdictions. In addition, the Bureau is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of numerous state laws and policies, such as the New York cigarette tax laws and the prohibition of sales of tobacco products and e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 21. The Bureau also enforces certain federal laws relating to cigarettes, such as the Cigarette Contraband Trafficking Act and the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act.

The MSA was the result of the landmark litigation commenced by the State of New York, along with other jurisdictions, against the five major tobacco manufacturers to redress the tobacco companies' illegal and deceptive marketing practices with respect to the promotion and sale of their tobacco products, particularly to minors, and the tobacco industry's concealment from the public the adverse health effects of smoking and the addictiveness of nicotine, and to recover health care costs associated with treating tobacco-related illnesses. Enforcement focuses on guaranteeing that the tobacco companies are not violating the prohibitions against advertising and/or marketing directed to young people, brand-name advertising, merchandising and sponsorships, and false and misleading advertising as well as ensuring compliance with the tobacco companies' monetary obligations under the MSA and New York's related laws.

 

MSA annual payments and NPM settlement agreement

Settlement information

Guidance information

 

Frequently asked questions

Tobacco Compliance and Enforcement administers the receipt and disbursements of settlement payments, enforces the MSA's restrictions, and enforces other state and federal tobacco-related laws.

The Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) is a legal contract between the 46 states, including New York, and five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia and the major tobacco manufacturers that provides numerous restrictions and prohibitions, including the ban on the use of cartoons in advertising, on marketing to youth, and on brand name sponsorships. 

The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) publishes documents and information related to the annual MSA payments on its website. See https://www.naag.org/our-work/naag-center-for-tobacco-and-public-health/the-master-settlement-agreement/msa-payment-information/.

No. The Attorney General cannot represent private individuals. You will have to hire a private attorney to represent you. Contact the New York State Bar Association’s lawyer referral service at 1-800-342-3661 or lr@nysba.org.

The New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control Program and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have very helpful information concerning how to quit smoking or vaping.