Lawmakers demand action against illegal nicotine products
September 12, 2024 | Energy and Commerce: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a recent government meeting, lawmakers expressed urgent concerns regarding the regulation of nicotine products and the growing illicit market that targets youth. Over 60 participants, including key officials, emphasized the need for the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) to expedite the approval process for harm-reducing alternatives for adult smokers, while simultaneously addressing the influx of illegal products.
One speaker, a long-time tobacco user, highlighted the inefficiencies of the CTP, which he argued have allowed millions of illegal products to proliferate, particularly from overseas. He noted that while legitimate companies have been waiting for years for FDA feedback on their applications, the agency's focus appears to be on prohibition rather than promoting safer alternatives. The speaker, who has successfully transitioned to non-combustible nicotine products, urged for more authorized products to be made available to assist others in similar situations.
The discussion also touched on the alarming rise of counterfeit nicotine pouches, with the speaker questioning why the CTP's proposed rules primarily target e-cigarettes and not other products. He pointed out that no nicotine pouch products have been authorized for the U.S. market, despite multiple approvals for oral nicotine products.
Lawmakers criticized the FDA's enforcement actions, noting that while warning letters have been issued to around 90 retailers, this represents a minuscule fraction of the estimated $2.4 billion illegal market for disposable vapes. They urged the FDA to prioritize enforcement against larger manufacturers and distributors rather than smaller retailers, suggesting that a more strategic approach could yield better results in curbing the illicit market.
The meeting concluded with calls for the establishment of a clear timeline and action plan from the newly formed task force aimed at tackling the issue of illegal nicotine products, with a focus on larger players in the market. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the staggering scale of the illegal market and the need for effective regulatory measures to protect public health, particularly among youth.
One speaker, a long-time tobacco user, highlighted the inefficiencies of the CTP, which he argued have allowed millions of illegal products to proliferate, particularly from overseas. He noted that while legitimate companies have been waiting for years for FDA feedback on their applications, the agency's focus appears to be on prohibition rather than promoting safer alternatives. The speaker, who has successfully transitioned to non-combustible nicotine products, urged for more authorized products to be made available to assist others in similar situations.
The discussion also touched on the alarming rise of counterfeit nicotine pouches, with the speaker questioning why the CTP's proposed rules primarily target e-cigarettes and not other products. He pointed out that no nicotine pouch products have been authorized for the U.S. market, despite multiple approvals for oral nicotine products.
Lawmakers criticized the FDA's enforcement actions, noting that while warning letters have been issued to around 90 retailers, this represents a minuscule fraction of the estimated $2.4 billion illegal market for disposable vapes. They urged the FDA to prioritize enforcement against larger manufacturers and distributors rather than smaller retailers, suggesting that a more strategic approach could yield better results in curbing the illicit market.
The meeting concluded with calls for the establishment of a clear timeline and action plan from the newly formed task force aimed at tackling the issue of illegal nicotine products, with a focus on larger players in the market. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the staggering scale of the illegal market and the need for effective regulatory measures to protect public health, particularly among youth.
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