With the Food and Drug Administration preparing for Federal Regulation of the Electronic Cigarette industry very soon, they’re now considering a ban of online ecig sales to keep e-cigarettes out of the hands of minors. The FDA has been weighing in on this factor, included looking at whether the minimum legal age for buying the e-cigarettes should be 18 or 19.
The FDA has been meeting with e-cigarette makers this week to hear their views on its proposed regulations for the industry. The agency is expected to formally unveil its proposals in October. Regulation was supposed to be underway already, but the FDA has continually delayed it due to the lacking research. Now that time has progressed and many studies have been conducted, all being very positive, the FDA is finally ready to unveil.
The FDA has also been holding “listening sessions” at FDA headquarter in Silver Spring, Md., north of Washington. These sessions are part of a series of meetings slated for coming weeks. At least 20 FDA staffers have attended the gatherings, as the agency prepares its proposals for public comment.
In addition, the agency is also reviewing television, radio and print advertising standards for the products. Overseeing the project is Mitch Zeller, who became director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products in March.
Analysts estimate e-cigarette sales in the U.S. will reach $1 billion this year. Bonnie Herzog, with Wells Fargo Securities, predicts sales could hit $10 billion in five years.
