Thoro Payments has now expanded the scope for online tobacco sales, moving this category from the Prohibited Merchant Category Code (MCC) list to the Elevated Risk MCC list. This update enables us to support merchants within the following MCCs for boarding a Merchant Identification (MID):

• Non-Face-to-Face Tobacco Products – MCC Code 5993, sub-MCC 6018

Important Considerations for Online Tobacco Merchants:

1. Exclusions: Electronic cigarettes and vaping products are still outside the scope and remain prohibited.

2. Enhanced Due Diligence:

   • All online tobacco merchants are subject to a manual credit underwriting review.
   • The Website Review Team will validate that the merchant’s website meets all standard requirements, including an age-verification process, and does not offer prohibited products.

3. Compliance with Card Network Standards:

   • Merchants must ensure that they meet all requirements set by the Card Brand Network.

By meeting these criteria, you can confidently process online tobacco payments with Thoro Payments.