Fundamental flaws in FDA's tobacco regulation law: expert

Nov.16.2022
Fundamental flaws in FDA's tobacco regulation law: expert
Partner Azim Chowdhury of Keller and Heckman law firm criticizes the FDA's tobacco product regulation for allowing existing products to avoid scrutiny.

Azim Chowdhury, a partner at law firm Keller and Heckman, has criticized the implementation of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which gave the agency the power to regulate tobacco products. Chowdhury wrote in Filter magazine that requirements for pre-market authorization of “new” products created almost insurmountable obstacles for potentially reduced risk products, while allowing existing products, including combustible cigarettes, to largely evade FDA scrutiny. Chowdhury proposed several ways in which the FDA could more effectively implement the law, including considering all evidence in pre-market applications for tobacco products, rather than conducting individual reviews. He also suggested that the FDA needed to halt the spread of counterfeit products, which posed greater risks to consumers and threatened small businesses and e-cigarette shops that were already struggling with FDA enforcement.


Finally, the FDA should allocate more resources towards developing reasonable safety, quality, and marketing standards for products.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry-related communication and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the article's content. The compilation of this article is solely for exchanging and researching within the industry.


Due to limitations in translation abilities, the translated article may not fully express the original text. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete consistency with the Chinese government's stance and statements pertaining to domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign affairs.


The copyrights of compiled information belong to the original media and authors, and in case of infringement, please contact for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Product | VOZOL launches new GEAR-series device in the UK and UAE, featuring a 2.1-inch colour screen and sound interaction
Product | VOZOL launches new GEAR-series device in the UK and UAE, featuring a 2.1-inch colour screen and sound interaction
Vape brand VOZOL has recently listed a disposable shisha-style product, the GEAR HOOKAH 40000, on its official website. Public information shows the device comes with a 26ml e-liquid capacity, offers 3mg/ml and 5mg/ml nicotine strengths, and is marketed at 25,000–40,000 puffs. It is currently available via selected online retail channels in the UK and the UAE.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan to launch two new VELO nicotine pouch flavours in February
BAT Japan to launch two new VELO nicotine pouch flavours in February
BAT Japan will roll out two new VELO nicotine pouch variants from Feb. 2, 2026: Smooth Peppermint Medium and Breezy Mango Intense. The products will be sold via the official glo & VELO online store, the glo Store Ginza and nationwide tobacco retail channels in Japan.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan is considering administrative penalties for the use, import, export, production, wholesale and retail sale, and storage for sale of e-cigarettes, including confiscation of products. The proposed amendments were discussed at a parliamentary committee meeting. The draft sets fine ranges for individuals, officials, and legal entities, and introduces a separate fine for vaping in prohibited places and public areas.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Qnovia’s Heat-Free Inhalable Nicotine Replacement Therapy Posts Positive First-in-Human Data, Advances FDA and MHRA Filings as Funding Expands
Qnovia’s Heat-Free Inhalable Nicotine Replacement Therapy Posts Positive First-in-Human Data, Advances FDA and MHRA Filings as Funding Expands
U.S.-based medical startup Qnovia Inc. reported positive results from its first-in-human clinical trial of RespiRx, an inhalable nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) device designed to support smoking cessation.
Innovation
Feb.24
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Starting February 2026, Morocco will apply its first mandatory standard governing “smoke-free” products—covering e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches. Drafted by IMANOR, the standard introduces detailed requirements on composition, labelling, traceability and safety, and will apply to imported products. Consumer advocates say clear labelling and traceability are essential, while urging stronger public-awareness efforts and resources.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Volgograd fines retailer 300,000 rubles for unlabelled nicotine products, orders confiscation and destruction
Russia’s Volgograd fines retailer 300,000 rubles for unlabelled nicotine products, orders confiscation and destruction
Volgograd, Russia say a retailer was caught selling unlabelled nicotine products, including electronic nicotine delivery devices flagged in the national “Honest Sign” tracking system as already withdrawn from circulation. A local court fined the entrepreneur 300,000 rubles and ordered 41 confiscated items to be destroyed, with the decision now in effect.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai