my understanding, this was explained to me. There are laws relating to tobacco only. don't ask why. but taxes need to be paid on tobacco in the state where you are presently. So if u purchase in VA. taxes for VA are already paid for. But if u bring tobacco into another state such as NY, taxes on tobacco in NY have not been paid........ This does not make any sense whatsoever. You bought a product, and should not matter where from.