FDA ComplianceThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sponsors retail compliance inspections. The Alcohol and Tax Operations Division conduct these inspections across Iowa. Compliance officers conduct checks to make sure retailers are adhering to federal laws.The inspections determine retailers’ compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act and the Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco to Protect Children and Adolescents, found at Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1140 (21 C.F.R. Part 1140).Retail inspections focus on sale and distribution restrictions including, but not limited to:Age and ID verification.Requirements for labeling and advertising of smokeless tobacco products.Restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes.A ban on certain candy and fruit-flavored cigarettes.Prohibited self-service displays and vending machines.Compliance inspection results are posted on the FDA website.FDA resourcesThe FDA has a website to assist retailers in being fully compliant with the Tobacco Control Act.Many resources are available under the "Compliance & Enforcement" section.Retailer Education MaterialsRegulations & Guidance for RetailersTobacco Retail Compliance WebinarsRetailer Training and EnforcementOverview of Federal Laws & RegulationMisbranded and Adulterated NSE Tobacco Products"This is Our Watch" programThe FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products has developed an education program called “This is Our Watch.” This program helps tobacco retailers better understand FDA tobacco regulations, the importance of compliance, and the greater purpose—protecting the nation’s youth from the harms of tobacco use.Learn more about the "This is Our Watch" program and order free program materials.Questions regarding the FDA tobacco compliance inspections should be directed to the FDA at 877.CTP.1373 or askctp@fda.hss.gov.