Vapes,  vaporizers,  electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, and  e-pipes are examples of items that fall under the category of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products. These items utilize  e-liquids, which typically include flavorings, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and other components in addition to nicotine extracted from tobacco. Some ENDS are made to look like pens, USB flash drives, or traditional combusted cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, while larger devices like tank systems or mods are made to look little to nothing like cigarettes.

Both adults and teenagers have started to take an interest in ENDS over the past ten years. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tackling this issue through its regulatory activities since the use of e-cigarettes by young people has sadly become a public health issue that affects kids, families, schools, and communities.

How the FDA regulates Vapes?

When the "Deeming Rule" became effective in August 2016, FDA started to regulate ENDS. The regulation extends FDA's existing regulatory powers over cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco to all ENDS and other tobacco products. They control the production, importation, labeling, packaging, promotion, sale, and distribution of ENDS and their parts. It covers e-liquids, e-liquid vials, cartridges, flavors, specific batteries, and even software. However, ENDS accessories like lanyards and ornamental vape cases are not governed by the FDA.

E-cigarettes and other ENDS sales to those under 18 became prohibited on August 8, 2016. Additionally, retailers are now required by law to demand that customers under 27 show a valid photo ID to prove their age before buying tobacco products. The completion of the deeming rule also resulted in the immediate implementation of several other Tobacco Control Act provisions, such as the prohibition on vending machine sales and the distribution of free samples of tobacco products.

Additionally, vape brands are unable to market their goods without FDA approval. More than 99 percent of these items have been subject to agency action, including the denial of marketing permission for more than 1 million flavored ENDS products. Additionally, they have legalized some ENDS products after deciding that they adhere to the legal requirements for public health, which also include a risk assessment for teenage usage. The FDA's premarket study of these products is a significant step in ensuring that new tobacco products, including well-known ENDS products, go through a thorough scientific evaluation. This is one of the key ways that the agency safeguards the public's health.

The FDA scientifically evaluates vaping goods to make sure they are suitable for the protection of the general public's health. To safeguard children from some ENDS products that are being unlawfully promoted, the agency keeps an eye on the market. Before taking enforcement action, such as civil monetary penalties, seizure, or injunction, FDA will often issue a warning letter and provide the recipient a chance to reply if the products in question are not taken off the market.

Conclusion

Since then, the FDA has released some guidelines to help stakeholders understand these issues, such as how vape shops may be affected by certain regulations and how to abide by the ban on giving away tobacco product samples. FDA restrictions aid in preventing children from using tobacco products. An essential component of this activity is the agency's vigorous and ongoing regulation of ENDS goods that are appealing to young people. They will keep up their efforts to prevent the marketing, sale, or use of e-cigarettes by children. FDA is dedicated to moving as rapidly as possible from the current market to one in which all tobacco products have been subjected to a thorough, scientific examination by the agency and have complied with the legal norm.

To understand more about vaping, read more of our regular blog postings on vape.com. You can also choose the best vaping device for you by looking at our assortment of Starter Kits as well.