Packaging requirements for e-cigarette liquid in NC approved

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina legislators have agreed to put more regulations on the rapidly growing electronic cigarette industry, particularly child-resistant packaging on containers of nicotine-laced liquid from which its vapors are inhaled.

The House gave final legislative approval Thursday to a Senate bill, approved unanimously by both chambers and heading to Gov. Pat McCrory’s desk.

The legislation would require the “e-liquid” containers to have the packaging before they’re sold in the state. Violations would result in the state’s most severe form of misdemeanor. A firm or seller of the containers also could be liable for civil damages if sales with unlawful packaging result in injury.

The liquid can be absorbed through the skin and harm someone. The bill had the backing of North Carolina-based cigarette companies and a state task force.