Registration Documentation
Your DSHS retailer registration must be posted visibly in your store. Inspectors check this first. Operating without a posted registration is an immediate violation.
Product Label Compliance
Inspectors will pull products off shelves and check labels. Every product must have a QR code linking to a current COA showing total THC at or below 0.3%.
COA Verification
Inspectors may scan QR codes on products and verify the linked COA is current, from an accredited lab, and matches the product on the shelf. Keep a physical COA binder as backup.
Age Verification Procedures
TABC inspectors observe transactions and conduct undercover checks. They verify that staff are checking IDs for every customer who appears under 30 and refusing sales to minors.
Employee Training Records
Inspectors may ask to see proof that all employees have completed required training. Keep signed training acknowledgments and course completion certificates on file at the store.
Inventory Records
Retailers must maintain records of all hemp product purchases including supplier name, batch numbers, and COAs. Inspectors may request purchase records going back 12 months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often does DSHS inspect Texas hemp retailers?
DSHS does not publish a fixed inspection schedule. Inspections are unannounced and can be triggered by consumer complaints, random selection, or as part of a broader enforcement sweep. Retailers in high-traffic areas or those who have received prior violations are inspected more frequently.
What happens if I fail a DSHS inspection?
DSHS issues a Notice of Violation listing each specific violation found. You will have a set period (typically 30 days) to correct the violations and submit documentation. Uncorrected violations result in civil penalties and potential registration suspension.
Can I refuse to let DSHS inspect my store?
No. As a registered hemp retailer, you consent to inspection as a condition of your registration. Refusing entry to a DSHS inspector is itself a violation and can result in immediate registration suspension.
What is the most common reason Texas hemp retailers fail inspections?
The most common violations are: (1) products with expired or missing COAs, (2) products with total THC above 0.3%, and (3) employees failing TABC age verification compliance checks. All three are preventable with proper systems in place.
Should I have a written compliance policy for my store?
Yes. A written compliance policy that covers age verification procedures, COA verification before stocking products, and employee training requirements demonstrates good faith compliance and can reduce penalties if a violation does occur.
