South Carolina § 16-17-505 - Cigarette packages violating certain federal laws; illegal sale or distribution; penalties; seizure.

§ 16-17-505. Cigarette packages violating certain federal laws; illegal sale or distribution; penalties; seizure.

(1) For purposes of this section, "package" means a pack, carton, or container of any kind in which cigarettes are offered for sale, sold, or otherwise distributed, or intended for distribution to consumers.

(2) It is unlawful to sell, hold for sale, or distribute a package of cigarettes if:

(a) the package differs in any respect with the requirements of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, 15 U.S.C. 1331, for the placement of labels, warnings, or any other information upon a package of cigarettes that is to be sold within the United States;

(b) the package is labeled "For Export Only", "U.S. Tax Exempt", "For Use Outside U.S.", or similar wording indicating that the manufacturer did not intend that the product be sold in the United States;

(c) the package, or a package containing individually stamped packages, has been altered by adding or deleting the wording, labels, or warnings described in (a) or (b) of this subsection;

(d) the package has been imported into the United States after January 1, 2000, in violation of 26 U.S.C. 5754; or

(e) the package in any way violates federal trademark or copyright laws.

(3) A person who knowingly sells, holds for sale, or distributes cigarette packages in violation of subsection (2) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for not more than three years or fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both.

(4) In addition to the other penalties provided by law, law enforcement may seize and destroy or sell to the manufacturer, for export only, any packages described in subsection (2).

HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 92, SECTION 1.