Hawaii Attorney General Warns Against Illegal Tobacco Products

Jan.17

HawaiiNewsNow reports Attorney General Anne Lopez warns over 800 tobacco retailers for potential illegal distribution of e-cigarettes and oral tobacco products.

According to a report from HawaiiNewsNow on January 17th, Anne Lopez, the Attorney General of Hawaii, has sent letters to over 800 tobacco retailers and distributors, informing them that they may be distributing and selling illegal tobacco products. These products include e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.

Although the FDA regulations state that all tobacco products sold in the United States must be authorized, currently only 34 e-cigarettes and 24 nicotine lozenge products have received FDA approval, which includes the recent authorization of 20 nicotine pouch products (related reading: FDA authorizes nicotine pouch products for the first time for sale, 20 ZYN nicotine pouches approved). The Attorney General pointed out that flavored disposable e-cigarettes may not only contain high doses of nicotine, but also attract consumers with child-friendly flavors, play options, and bright colors, some even including video games that encourage young consumers to earn virtual currency through smoking.

The prosecutor stated that these manufacturers and distributors of these products are refusing to participate in the market order process regulated by the FDA, therefore these products are considered counterfeit and banned from being sold. Retailers and distributors found to be intentionally selling illegal tobacco products may face federal investigation and penalties.

References:

[1] Attorney general sounds alarm over illegal vapes sold in Hawaii

Also Read:

[1] Hawaii Courts Push for Increased Tobacco and E-cigarette Taxes

[2] 2Firsts Feature | Chinese Entrepreneurs and Experts Discuss ZYN’s 1st PMTA Approval: Boosting Market Acceptance of Nicotine Pouches and Accelerating Global Compliance Trends

[3] US Federal Judge Blocks FDA Graphic Warning Regulations on Cigarettes

#North America #United States #Legislation #E-cigarettes

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