All articles tagged with #flavored vapes
U.S. authorities are actively cracking down on a surge of sophisticated illicit vaping products, many designed to appeal to teens and smuggle into the country from China, despite bans on flavored vapes. These products are often concealed as everyday items and are part of a larger international issue, with law enforcement seizing millions of units and warning about the ongoing threat to youth health and safety.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing whether the FDA unlawfully refused to approve flavored e-cigarettes, with justices questioning if the agency changed its evaluation standards mid-process. The case, brought by vape companies Triton Distribution and Vapestasia, challenges the FDA's rejection of their products due to potential health risks to young people. The court's conservative majority, including Justice Brett Kavanaugh, showed mixed reactions, with some justices skeptical of the FDA's actions and others supporting its stance. The outcome could impact the FDA's regulatory approach to tobacco products.
British American Tobacco (BAT), the third-largest seller of vapes in the UK, has called for stricter regulations on vaping, including a licensing regime similar to alcohol and cigarettes. BAT also wants a ban on flavors that target children and a crackdown on firms selling to minors. The company does not support a ban on colorful packaging or advertising, arguing that these are important for convincing smokers to switch. The government is already considering new regulations amid concerns about youth vaping, and legislation is expected to follow a public consultation.
The FDA has issued warning letters to dozens of retailers selling fruit- and candy-flavored disposable e-cigarettes, including the current best-selling brand, Elf Bar, in an attempt to crack down on illegal disposable vapes that have poured into U.S. stores in recent years. Last month, the FDA issued orders allowing customs officials to seize shipments of Elf Bar, Esco Bar and two other brands at U.S. ports. The rise of unauthorized e-cigarettes coincides with the growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, with disposables’ share of vaping sales more than doubling from 24.7% in early 2020 to nearly 52% by late last year.