Tag: news

Romania Bans Flavors for Heated Tobacco Products

Credit: Zero Photo
Last month, the Romanian Government enacted Governmental Ordinance No. 23/20.07.2023 amending and supplementing the Romanian Tobacco Law (GO 23). The move bans all flavored heated tobacco products.
The law takes effect on Oct. 23, 2023.
Prior to enacting GO 23 under the framework of Romanian Tobacco Law, only cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco were subject to the prohibition of having a characterizing flavors and containing flavorings in any of their components such as filters, papers, packages, capsules or any technical features.
The aim of GO 23 is to extend this prohibition to heated tobacco products and to impose more restrictive requirements on packaging and labelling of such heated tobacco products, according to media reports.
For the first time, GO 23 enacts a legal definition of “heated tobacco products” which refers to “a novel tobacco product that is heated to produce an emission containing nicotine and other chemicals, which is then inhaled by user(s), and that, depending on its characteristics, is a smokeless tobacco product or a tobacco product for smoking.”
This definition will include any type of vaping devices that entail heating of tobacco in view of obtaining an inhalable emission containing nicotine and other chemicals.
Heated tobacco products with any type “characterizing flavor”, such as menthol, fruits, etc., will no longer be allowed in the Romanian market.
Additionally, each unit of and any outside packaging of heated tobacco products must carry the mandatory information message: “Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer.”
GO 23 also states that each unit packet and any outside packaging of heated tobacco products for smoking must carry combined health warnings that observe all the requirement set out in Art.
All producers and importers of heated tobacco products in Romania must notify the Romanian Health Ministry within 90 days after the enactment of GO 23.
August 25, 2023
Juul Labs to Restructure and Reduce Employees

Juul Labs has announced a company restructuring aimed at reducing operating costs and positioning the company to continue to advance its mission during a period of regulatory and marketplace uncertainty.
According to a press release, the principal aim of this restructuring is to enable the company to maximize profitability and cash-flow generation while continuing to invest in its core priorities, which include delivery of high-quality products to its commercial partners, ongoing development of next-generation products, engagement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding Juul’s pending and possible future market authorization applications, and commercial growth consistent with compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
With these operating cost reductions, Juul Labs says it is positioned to increase its adjusted EBITDA margins and generate meaningful free cash flow before litigation settlements. In doing so, the company will reduce its need to access capital pre-premarket tobacco product application, extend its time horizon to continue its pursuit of market orders from the FDA and generate positive equity value as the company pays down liabilities over time.
Juul says it remains fundamentally optimistic about the prospects for Juul Labs Inc.—“a view rooted in our belief that our technology and our pipeline of new innovations represent the most valuable ever brought forward to transition adult smokers away from cigarettes while combating underage use,” the company wrote on its website.
August 24, 2023
Philip Morris Fortune: Vape Law Paves Way for Future

Credit: Alexander Ovsyannikov
The enactment of a new vape law in the Philippines last year has paved the way for products that provide smokers with better alternatives to cigarettes, according to Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Co. (PMFTC) President Denis Gorkun.
In addition to moving regulation of vapes from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration to the Department of Trade and Industry, Republic Act 11900 lowered the purchase age for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products from 21 to 18, removed a two-flavor limit on product flavors and allows companies to conduct corporate social responsibility-related activities.
In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Gorkin said PMFCT would soon launch IQOS Luma, which uses induction technology to heat tobacco, and ZYN nicotine pouches in the Philippines. Made by Swedish Match, which was acquired by PMFTC’s parent company, Philip Morris International in 2022, ZYN is the best-selling nicotine pouch in the United States today.
Since PMFTC launched IQOS in the Philippines, around 75,000 local smokers had switched away from cigarettes, according to Gorkun.
Gorkun said PMI aims to eliminate cigarette consumption in line with its vision to deliver a smoke-free future. “We will continue to work towards our smoke-free future vision with products that are found by numerous international health authorities to be far better compared to continuing to smoke cigarettes.”
He said the passage of the landmark Vape Law a year ago is a “win” for public health. While providing smokers with less harmful options, the law also contains provisions to deter underage consumption, according to its proponents.
One of the authors of the vape law, former Representative Sharon Garin, said Republic Act 11900 provides that vaping isn’t made appealing to minors. “We don’t want non-smokers to pick up the habit of vaporized or electronic cigarettes,” she was quoted as saying. “What we want is a less harmful alternative for current smokers.”
August 24, 2023
U.S. FDA Cracking Down on Kid Friendly Products
Credit: FDA
Regulators in the United States are cracking down on online retailers selling vaping products that are attractive to youth. The Food and Drug Administration today issued warning letters to 16 (the agency reported 15, but lists 16) online retailers for selling and/or distributing unauthorized e-cigarette products packaged to look like cartoon characters, school supplies, toys, and drinks.
“The design of these products is a shamelessly egregious attempt to target kids,” said Brian King, director of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). “It’s a tough sell that adults using e-cigarettes to transition away from cigarettes need them to look like SpongeBob in order to do so successfully.”
The unauthorized products described in the warning letters include e-cigarettes that feature youth-appealing characters from TV shows, movies, and video games, including “SpongeBob,” “Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear,” and “Mario.” The also imitate drinks from companies such as Starbucks and Dunkin coffee cups, soda and water bottles, according to press release.
“The retailers receiving these warning letters sell and/or distribute e-cigarettes in the United States that lack authorization from FDA, which is a requirement under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act to legally market a new tobacco product,” the FDA states. “In addition to the specified products mentioned in the warning letters, the retailers were warned to address any violations that are the same as or similar to those stated in the warning letter, and promptly take any necessary actions to bring the tobacco products that they offer for sale in the United States into compliance with the FD&C Act.”
The retailers were given 15 working days to respond with the steps they’ll take to correct the violation and to prevent future violations. Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure, and/or civil money penalties.
“CTP will continue to closely monitor all those in the supply chain, including retailers, for compliance with federal law,” said attorney Ann Simoneau, director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement within the CTP. “As always, we will hold anyone accountable that sells unauthorized tobacco products labeled, advertised, and/or designed to encourage use by our nation’s youth.”
The companies receiving warning letters include:

VR Products I LLC d/b/a eJuiceDB
Titan Star Resources d/b/a Vape Vandal Ltd
Vapesstores.com
Disposable Vapes Wholesale
Vapestore.to
Venture Concept Groups d/b/a High Light Vape Co.
Best Vapes Store
Apex Vape
The Juice Machine
StrikesUSA
Finest Ounce Vape Stor d/b/a Finest Ounce Vape Malaysia
Spongbob Vape
Mini Cup Vape
Vape123
Viper Vapor d/b/a Viper Vapor Kelso
Mochivap
These new warning letters mark another step in the FDA’s continued efforts to remove illegal e-cigarettes from the market, particularly those that appeal to youth, the agency states. As of August 2023, the FDA has issued approximately 600 warning letters to firms for manufacturing and/or distributing illegal tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, filed civil money penalty complaints against 26 e-cigarette manufacturers, and worked with the Department of Justice to seek injunctions against 6 e-cigarette manufacturers.
August 23, 2023
CAPHRA Launches Shadow Report on WHO Strategy

Credit: Igor Golovnev
The report highlights the Need for consumer participation in tobacco harm reduction policy making.
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) released its Shadow Report on the (NON)-Implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 1 (d) on Harm Reduction Strategies.
The report is now available to policy makers, regulators in member states, and World Health Organization (WHO) FCTC officials.
The Shadow Report emphasizes the importance of consumer participation in policy making and highlights the benefits of tobacco harm reduction alternatives, including vaping, according to an emailed press release.
Nancy Loucas
“Tobacco Harm Reduction products have been shown to serve as a method of smoking cessation and as an alternative for smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking altogether,” said Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator of CAPHRA.
“The WHO FCTC is meant to be an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. However, the current tobacco control measures have extensively promoted the abstinence-only approach, which has contributed to smokers’ inability to make informed choices about safer nicotine products,” said Loucas.
To access the full CAPHRA Shadow Report on the (NON)-Implementation of the FCTC Article 1 (d) on Harm Reduction Strategies click here.
August 23, 2023
Kangvape Makes Generalvape its Official Distributor

Credit: Kangvape
Kangvape, a manufacture of vaping devices and accessories, officially announced a strategic collaboration with generalvape.com, an online vaping retailer. This alliance will make generalvape.com the official distributor of Kangvape products.
“Kangvape has continually demonstrated a commitment to delivering exceptional vaping experiences,” a press release states. “Their cutting-edge designs and quality manufacturing have cemented their position as a top brand in the vaping community. The partnership with generalvape.com aligns with Kangvape’s mission to enhance accessibility and provide unparalleled service to its growing customer base.”
As an official distributor of Kangvape, Generalvape.com will house a comprehensive line of Kangvape’s latest products. Kangvape also announced a partnership with RandM Vapes and is now the official distributor for RandM Vapes.
August 23, 2023
Florida Thieves Snatch $700,000 in Vaping Products

Credit: Aleksandr Kondratov
A city in the U.S. state of Florida has opened an investigation into the theft of a trailer that contained vaping materials valued at over $700,000.
On August 14, while conducting a routine patrol of the area near 750 North University Drive, an police officer from the city of Coral Springs, Florida was flagged down by a man that claimed his semi-truck had been stolen, according to media reports.
According to the incident report, the man said he had parked his semi-truck in front of Sam’s Club at 950 University Drive and then went home for the night. He returned the next day to find his trailer missing and his semi-truck parked in a different spot than he had left it.
During an investigation into the man’s claims, police reviewed tow logs that confirmed the truck had not been towed and, upon closer inspection, discovered damage to the driver’s side lock.
After reviewing video surveillance footage, investigators have identified a suspect wearing a backpack and a hat who moved the truck. Despite reviewing CCTV footage from all businesses in the plaza, officers have not yet found any leads.
August 23, 2023
New Zealand Sets New Youth Vaping Regulations

Photo: Molly
New Zealand has set new regulations to limit youth vaping, effective Sept. 21, reports the Xinhua News Agency.
New specialist vape shops will be banned in locations within 300 meters of schools and Maori meeting places, according to Health Minister Ayesha Verrall.
“Vapes will need child safety mechanisms, and names like ‘cotton candy’ and ‘strawberry jelly donut’ will be prohibited,” Verrall said. Only generic names like “orange” or “berry” that accurately describe the flavors will be allowed.
The new regulations also set the maximum allowed nicotine level and require that all vaping devices have removable batteries.
“We’re creating a future where tobacco products are no longer addictive, appealing or as readily available, and the same needs to apply to vaping,” Verrall said.
August 22, 2023
Altria Seeks U.S. Importation Ban of Juul Products

Image: inimalGraphic
Njoy has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to ban on the importation and sale of certain Juul products, including its currently marketed Juul device and Juul pods, citing patent infringements.
“Protecting our intellectual property is critical to achieving our vision,” said Murray Garnick, executive vice president and general counsel of Njoy parent company Altria Group, in a statement. “Juul has infringed upon our patents through the sale of its imported products, and we ask the ITC to impose appropriate remedies in response to these trade violations.”
Njoy has also filed a complaint against Juul in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware based on the same patent infringement. Njoy Ace is currently the only pod-based e-vapor product to have received marketing authorization from the FDA, which deemed the marketing of the ACE device and three ACE tobacco-flavored pods as “appropriate for the protection of public health.”
Njoy’s ITC complaint against Juul alleges trade violations associated with the sale of imported products that, according to Njoy, infringe U.S. Patent No. 11,497,864 and U.S. Patent No. 10,334,881. Njoy acquired the Asserted Patents from Fuma International, concurrently with the settlement of a patent infringement lawsuit filed against the company by Fuma.
Njoy’s complaint is the latest development in a broader intellectual property dispute.
In July, Juul Labs asked the ITC to block sales and imports of Njoy Ace, claiming that the product infringes several Juul patents. It has also filed a complaint against Njoy with the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
Juul Labs complain also targets Altria Group, which agreed to acquire the NJOY in March after exchanging its minority investment in Juul for a heated tobacco product intellectual property license.
August 22, 2023
Industry Group Lobbies Against Vape Flavor Ban

Photo: fotofabrika
The Russian Union of Nicotine Industry Enterprises (Spini) has called on the government to exclude food flavorings and nicotine salts from the list of active ingredients and additives that are expected to be banned by the Ministry of Health for issues of nicotine dependence, reports ECigIntelligence.
Representatives of Spini, which has more than 50 members, have sent a corresponding letter to the minister of finance asking for the exception to the ban.
August 22, 2023