§ 51902
TITLE 4: ECONOMIC RESOURCES
DIVISION 5: BUSINESS REGULATION
§ 51902. Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter: (a) “Areca nut” is the seed of the areca palm that is commonly referred to as betel nut. (b) “Betel nut product” refers to any packaged item intended for individual retail sale that contains, consists of or is derived from the areca nut (areca catechu), whether in whole, processed, prepared, or mixed form, and is intended for human consumption or chewing. This includes, but is not limited to, betel nut sold in small plastic baggies or similar packaging commonly found in retain establishments. All such betel nut products must prominently display the applicable warning labels described in 4 CMC § 51915(b)(3)(i)-(ii). (c) “Betel nut container” refers to any box, carton, plastic basket, or similar packaging used to hold multiple individual betel nut products for retail display or storage. These containers are commonly used to transport or store multiple bagged betel nut products and may be made of polystyrene foam (Styrofoam), cardboard, plastic, or other materials. All such containers must prominently display the applicable warning labels described in 4 CMC §§ 51915(b)(3)(iii)-(iv). Source: PL 19-66 § 2 (Sept. 23, 2016), modified; amended by PL 24-02 § 2 (June 5, 2025). Commission Comment: The Commission substituted “this chapter” for “this section” pursuant to 1 CMC § 3806(d). The Commission changed the capitalization of “Areca Nut” and “Betel Nut” throughout this chapter pursuant to 1 CMC § 3806(g). In addition to savings and severability clauses, PL 24-02 Section 7 includes example labels which meet the requirements of 4 CMC § 51915(b)(3)(i), 4 CMC § 51915(b)(3)(ii), and 4 CMC 51915(b)(3)(iii)-(iv). PL 24-02 Section 10 also states that “labeling requirements established under this Act, including 4 CMC §§ 51915(b)-(c), as amended, shall not be enforced until October 1, 2025, to provide affected businesses with a reasonable period for compliance.