Tag: news

  • Hong Kong: Vape Dollars Make Sense for Ban Reversal

    Hong Kong: Vape Dollars Make Sense for Ban Reversal

    It was all about public health, now it seems to be about the money. Hong Kong may reverse its ban on the re-export of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, reports the South China Morning Post, citing unnamed sources.

    Credit: Timothy S. Donahue

    In April, the city prohibited the sale, manufacture and trade in alternative smoking products.

    Authorities are now reportedly considering amending law, with eye on the billions of dollars that trade generates annually.

    Hong Kong is close to Shenzhen, the world’s largest manufacturing hub for vapor devices.

  • Korean Health Ministry Sued Over Misinformation

    Korean Health Ministry Sued Over Misinformation

    Photo: niyazz

    The Korea Electronic Cigarette Association (KECA) has sued the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), demanding the government correct misinformation about e-cigarettes, reports the Korea Biomedical Review.

    The KECA’s lawsuit alleges that the government caused financial damage to e-cigarette-related small business owners by releasing incorrect information via an Oct. 23, 2019, press release recommending Koreans stop using liquid e-cigarettes.

    The MOHW’s recommendation was issued following an outbreak of lung injuries in the United States that was initially attributed to nicotine vapes but was later determined to be associated with illicit THC products.

    “According to the U.S. [Food and Drug Administration’s] notice banning the sale of liquid-type e-cigarettes, which was the basis of the MOHW’s decision that advised smokers to stop using e-cigarettes, tetrahydrocannabinol, a hemp-derived substance, was the main problem,” the KECA said.

    In 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that there were 530 confirmed severe lung diseases and eight deaths in the U.S. related to the use of liquid-type e-cigarettes.

    “However, at the time of the announcement of the MOHW’s recommendation, there was only one suspected case of lung damage in Korea, and even the suspected case came from a person who smoked tobacco,” the KECA said.

    According to a paper published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science in December 2021, there were no cases of severe pneumonia or lung damage among liquid e-cigarette users, according to the KECA. The group stated that the MOHW’s failure to withdraw its recommendation to stop use of liquid e-cigarettes shows a neglect of its duties.

    A MOHW spokesperson said it will investigate the complaint and respond to the lawsuit in conjunction with other agencies, such as the KDCA and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

  • AVM Asks for Ethics Investigation Into Dick Durbin

    AVM Asks for Ethics Investigation Into Dick Durbin

    Dick Durbin and Center for Tobacco Products Director Brian King (Photo: The office of Senator Dick Durbin)

    The American Vapor Manufacturers Association (AVM) has requested that the Senate Ethics Committee investigate Illinois Senator Dick Durbin for allegedly violating Senate rules by attempting to improperly influence U.S. Food and Drug Administration scientific decisions about vaping products, according to Vaping360.

    On Oct. 14, the AVM delivered a letter to the chair and vice chair of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics that alleged Durbin pressured the FDA to ban all vaping products despite the agency’s premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) review process.

    Citing Durbin’s track record (urging the FDA to ban vapor products via letters, Senate floor speeches, press releases and private meetings) the AVM says it believes Durbin attempted “to interfere with and influence the outcome of an ongoing executive branch agency review process in violation of Senate Ethics rules.”

    “Senator Durbin’s arrogant bullying has now become a grave threat to public health.”

    Amanda Wheeler, president, AVM

    “Senator Durbin’s arrogant bullying has now become a grave threat to public health,” AVM President Amanda Wheeler said in a press release. “At a time when trust in public health authorities is already shaky, Durbin’s shameful campaign to hijack federal policy on this crucial health issue should come to an immediate end.”

    The letter to the Senate committee marks the second time this year that the AVM has asked a government body to investigate corruption of the FDA PMTA review process.

    According to Vaping360, the ethics committee is unlikely to seriously investigate Durbin or cite him for misconduct; Durbin is Senate Majority Whip, making him the second-highest ranking Democrat in the Democratic-led body.

  • Chinese, European Vape Groups Sign Marketing Code

    Chinese, European Vape Groups Sign Marketing Code

    Photo: IEVA

    The E-Cigarette Professional Committee of the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (ECCC) has signed the Independent European Vape Alliance’s (IEVA) recently updated Code for Responsible Marketing.

    The Code for Responsible Marketing contains 14 mandatory principles, focusing on the idea that “e-cigarette marketing should not make vaping seem appealing to minors.”

    “As confident as we are that e-cigarettes have significant harm reduction potential, we also recognize that they must be marketed responsibly,” said Dustin Dahlmann, president of IEVA, in a statement.

    “The signatories therefore only address adult smokers and e-cigarette users with their advertising and marketing to inform them about the products. Youth protection is imperative for us. We are very glad that we agreed on this with our dear colleagues from China.”

  • RLX Technology Releases its Annual ESG Report

    RLX Technology Releases its Annual ESG Report

    RELX vaporizer

    RLX Technology has released its annual corporate social responsibility report Envisaging a Better Future, highlighting its efforts in market responsibility, research and development investment, environment protection, employees career and corporate governance.

    According to the report, RLX has strengthened its commitment to product quality and vaping science. Since its inception, RLX has invested RMB800 million ($111.1 million) in research and development. RLX operates eight laboratories and has developed a research chain covering product quality, physiochemical research, toxicology research, long-term impact assessment and clinical research.

    In March 2021, RLX launched the first e-cigarette clinical research project in China. In February 2022, RLX started the first clinical study on the safety of e-cigarettes in China. The results of various research projects were published in prominent academic journals such as Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and the Chinese Journal of Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

    By June 2022, RLX had applied for over 610 patents covering vaping device design, e-liquid formula, electric control, smart device and released content.

    Environment protection is another highlight in RLX’s CSR report. In September 2021, RLX started the Pods Reborn recycling program with China Siyuan Foundation for Poverty Alleviation. By June 2022, the program had been carried out in 188 Chinese cities. More than 16,000 stores have been equipped with a used pods recycling bin.

    As part of the Amur Tiger and Leopard Conservation Project, RLX has planted 20 ha of eco-fields in Jilin Province to ensure sufficient food supply for these endangered species. RLX has also organized a patrol team to remove animal traps. By the end of 2021, the RLX Tech Patrol Team had patrolled 12,600 kilometers.

    In April 2022, RLX launched its net-zero carbon emission plan Aim for Zero to achieve carbon neutrality in its direct operations by 2033 and along the value chain by 2050.

    As part of this project, RLX will take eight major initiatives including plastic reduction, waste reduction, promoting the Pods Reborn program, establishing a green supply chain partner mechanism, reducing product carbon footprint and introducing zero-carbon products, creating a zero-carbon plant and a green store and reducing carbon footprint in office and during business travel.

    By the end of 2021, RLX had opened more than 24,000 stores in more than 300 cities, creating about 370,000 jobs across the industry chain.

    “In more than four years of entrepreneurship, one of the things we are particularly proud of is our dedication to fulfilling our social responsibility,” said Kate Wang, founder and CEO of RLX Tech in a statement. “RLX Tech sees social responsibility as one of its core competitive advantages. It is also our duty as corporate citizens.”

  • Purdy Appointed as CEO of Turning Point Brands

    Purdy Appointed as CEO of Turning Point Brands

    Turning Point Brands announced the appointment of long-tenured company executive Graham Purdy as CEO and board director, effective October 16, 2022, following Yavor Efremov’s resignation as CEO and director.

    Additionally, David Glazek will transition from non-executive to executive board chairman, effective January 2023, according to a press release.

    Purdy will lead TPB’s strategy, execution, and operations, with a particular focus on growing and maximizing the value of the company’s portfolio of iconic and emerging brands. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Purdy served as chief operating officer since 2019.

    Purdy previously led day-to-day operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing through complex challenges to the business while completing three of the most successful years in the company’s history.

    “I am excited to serve as Turning Point’s next CEO and drive the company’s strategic priorities to enhance shareholder value,” said Purdy. “Over the past three decades, Turning Point has built a leading industry position through our portfolio of large and leading brands, innovative marketing, and omni-channel distribution capabilities, along with our strong track record of new product innovation.

    “I look forward to working with our highly talented team to continue to build a world-class consumer products company for the benefit of our employees, customers, and shareholders.”

  • Keller & Heckman Annual Vapor Symposium Feb. 15-16

    Keller & Heckman Annual Vapor Symposium Feb. 15-16

    The Keller and Heckman law firm will hold its annual E-Vapor and Tobacco Law Symposium on Feb. 15-16, 2023, at the Courtyard Irvine Spectrum in Irvine, California, USA.

    This year’s program will feature topics designed to help vapor and deemed tobacco product manufacturers stay in compliance with rapidly evolving laws and policies, according to Keller and Heckman.

    The conference will cover marketing denial orders (MDOs), U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed rulemakings and youth access prevention plans, among other topics.

    For more information, visit the symposium information webpage.

  • BAT Conducts New Study of its Velo Oral Nicotine

    BAT Conducts New Study of its Velo Oral Nicotine

    Photo: BAT

    BAT has conducted a cross-sectional clinical study of Velo, which is designed to provide new insights into the real-world health impact of its modern oral nicotine pouch product compared to smoking. Protocol details explaining the design have been published in the journal JMIR Research Protocols.

    The study evaluates exposure to certain toxicants and early indicators associated with smoking-related disease in people who have been exclusively using Velo for over six months and compares them with groups of smokers, former smokers and never-smokers.

    The results are currently being analyzed and will be published by the end of the year.

    “Modern oral nicotine pouches are an exciting product category, which build upon the extensive scientific evidence available for snus but are designed to offer adult consumers an improved tobacco-free, reduced-risk alternative,” said Sharon Goodall, BAT’s group head of regulatory sciences, in a statement.

    “We have already generated data that shows Velo has a toxicant profile better than snus and is comparable to nicotine-replacement therapy. However, we wanted to generate further evidence to demonstrate the important contribution it can make to tobacco harm reduction. I believe the results of this study will provide important new information, and we look forward to sharing them once available.”

  • Asia Harm Reduction Forum 2022 set for Oct. 28

    Asia Harm Reduction Forum 2022 set for Oct. 28

    The Fifth Asia Harm Reduction Forum (AHRF 2022) will take place Oct. 28 at The Manila Hotel in the Philippines.

    Under the title, “Integrating Harm Reduction in Asian Policies: A Major Win for Public Health,” the forum will cover the merits of harm reduction as the most effective tool to address the smoking epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Ron Sison

    “This key event comes at a critical turning point, as tobacco harm reduction (THR) takes root in several Asian countries,” says AHRF 2022 Lead Convenor Ron Sison, who is also president of The Harm Reduction Alliance of the Philippines.

    A hybrid event, AHRF 2022 will engage scientists, consumers, legislators and policymakers. The sessions will be streamed live on the AHRF YouTube Channel and Facebook.

    “Asia is actively tackling the steps towards securing a smoke-free future,” says Peter Dator, president of Vapers PH, a consumer group. “The Philippines recently lifted its vaping ban, regulating the importation, manufacture, sale, and marketing of vaping products. Malaysia and Thailand are also set to regulate, thanks to the sheer weight of scientific evidence and the hard work of THR advocates.”

    “Despite more countries supporting vaping, we must remain vigilant and active in our THR discussions and advocacy,” says Asa Saligupta, director of ENDS Cigarette Smoke Thailand. “Let’s not forget the most convincing smoking cessation devices remain illegal in many parts of Asia-Pacific. We’ve got plenty of work to do, with AHRF 2022 key to this region’s future success.”

  • FDA Denies Nearly 95% of Synthetic Nicotine PMTAs

    FDA Denies Nearly 95% of Synthetic Nicotine PMTAs

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administartion today announced that, as of Oct. 7, the agency has issued refuse to accept (RTA) letters for more than 889,000 products in premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) that do not meet the criteria for acceptance.

    The agency also announced it FDA has accepted over 1,600 applications, with the vast majority being for e-cigarette or e-liquid products.  

    “While the application review is ongoing, FDA remains vigilant in overseeing the market and will continue to use our compliance and enforcement resources to curb the unlawful marketing of [non-tobacco nicotine] NTN products. To date, FDA has issued a total of over 60 warning letters to manufacturers, including brands popular among youth such as Puff Bar,” the FDA stated in a release. “The manufacturer warning letters include those for products for which an application had been submitted but where the agency has taken a negative action, such as a [RTA].”

    The FDA has also issued over 300 warning letters to retailers for violations in relation to their sale of NTN products to underage purchasers, and imposed civil money penalties against two retailers for sales of NTN products to underage purchasers. 

    “To date, the FDA has not authorized any NTN products. Therefore, all NTN products on the market are marketed unlawfully and risk FDA enforcement action,” the FDA stated. “It is illegal for a retailer or distributor to sell or distribute e-cigarettes that the FDA has not authorized, and those who engage in such conduct are at risk of FDA enforcement, such as a seizure, injunction, or civil money penalty.”

    All authorized e-cigarettes are posted on FDA’s Tobacco Product Marketing Orders page.