Feds announce final e-cigarette rule that nearly bans them
- 8 years ago
E-cigarettes and premium, hand-rolled cigars will now be regulated the same way as tobacco cigarettes and regular cigars, according to a new federal rule issued Thursday.
Under the rule, the US FDA would have to approve all tobacco products not currently regulated that hit stores after February 2007, prior to which the e-cigarette industry really didn’t exist.
This means nearly every e-cigarette on the market and every flavor and nicotine level would need a separate application for federal approval, which could cost $1 million or more each.
Industry experts say treating e-cigarettes, which don’t contain tobacco, the same as cigarettes could lead to costly approval, force the largest tobacco companies out of the market, and could force e-cigarette smokers back to regular cigarettes.
Under the rule, the US FDA would have to approve all tobacco products not currently regulated that hit stores after February 2007, prior to which the e-cigarette industry really didn’t exist.
This means nearly every e-cigarette on the market and every flavor and nicotine level would need a separate application for federal approval, which could cost $1 million or more each.
Industry experts say treating e-cigarettes, which don’t contain tobacco, the same as cigarettes could lead to costly approval, force the largest tobacco companies out of the market, and could force e-cigarette smokers back to regular cigarettes.