Tobacco Manufacturers & Wholesalers

​Key Laws and Compliance​​

Escrow Act and Complementary Legislation​​

Tobacco product manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers that sell cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco in Maryland are subject to two important statutes:​​

1. Tobacco Product Manufacturers Escrow Act: Business Regulation Article, § 16-401 et seq.: Requires certain tobacco companies to set aside funds to cover potential health-related claims.
2. Complementary Legislation: Business Regulation Article, § 16-501 et seq.: Ensures that only brands complying with the Escrow Act are sold in the state.

​​These laws help protect consumers and ensure fair business practices.

Maryland Tobacco Directory: Approved Tobacco Products​​

​​In Maryland, only specific cigarette and roll-your-own tobacco brands are legally allowed for sale. Approved brands are listed, along with their manufacturers, in the Office of the Attorney General’s Maryland Tobacco Directory​.

​​​If you're a tobacco manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer in Maryland, it's essential to consult the directory to ensure you're selling approved products.

For Non-Participating Manufacturers

​​If you're a tobacco manufacturer that wishes to be part of the directory, you must:

• Submit a completed escrow agreement (effective from April 30, 2017).
• Provide quarterly and annual compliance certifications. Search the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)

​​Without these, your products can't be listed in the directory or sold in Maryland.​

Contact for Assistance

​​​​​Aravind Muthukrishnan​: [email protected]​
​410-576-6395