At OP Vapes and More in Overland Park, we’re always watching closely to see what the FDA is doing regarding vaping. While we certainly wouldn’t claim that we know their entire plan, their review process to approve or deny new vaping products to market has come under fire for being less than efficient and fair. In this week’s post, we’ll examine how the review process works and why some of your favorite vaping products may be in danger.
Smoke and Vape Shop Near Leawood, Overland Park, and Stanley, KS
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) is responsible for regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes (vaping products). The agency’s approach to reviewing vaping products depends on whether the products were on the market before August 8, 2016, or after that date.
For products on the market before August 8, 2016, manufacturers were required to submit a premarket tobacco application (PMTA) to the FDA by September 9, 2020, to continue selling their products legally. PMTAs are intended to demonstrate that a product is appropriate for the protection of public health, including whether the product is safe for use and whether it is appropriate for helping smokers quit. The FDA is reviewing PMTAs for these products on a case-by-case basis.
For products that entered the market after August 8, 2016, manufacturers must submit a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) to the FDA before introducing the product to the market. The FDA has already begun reviewing PMTAs for these products.
The FDA evaluates vaping products for their ingredients, design, manufacturing processes, and potential health risks. The agency may request additional information from the manufacturers, conduct inspections of the manufacturing facilities, and conduct laboratory tests on the products. If a product is found to be harmful to public health, the FDA has the authority to take enforcement action, including banning the product from the market.
Clearly, the FDA is way behind on the applications that have been submitted, and the organization seemingly cherry-picks which brands they approve and deny. We’ll continue to monitor any developments with the FDA and vaping products, so stay tuned. In the meantime, stop by OP Vapes and More on 151st Street in Overland Park for all your smoking and vaping needs.
