RJ Reynolds threatens legal action against vape shops

May.04.2023
RJ Reynolds threatens legal action against vape shops
RJ Reynolds threatened legal action against small e-cigarette stores for selling flavored products, according to reports.

On May 3rd, according to a report by Stat News, Reynolds Tobacco Company has been "threatening" small electronic cigarette retailers by stating that if they do not stop selling flavored electronic cigarettes, Reynolds Tobacco Company will take legal action against them. This information comes from a letter that Reynolds Tobacco Company sent to electronic cigarette retailers in March.


Renovo Tobacco to launch crackdown on illegal electronic cigarette products.


According to a report by Stat News, this is the latest example of Reynolds Tobacco Company cracking down on illegal e-cigarette products. Reynolds Tobacco recently sent a letter to one particular store, indicating that the store was selling ELFBAR disposable e-cigarette products, but so far, the FDA has not taken any enforcement action against them.


In February of this year, the company submitted an application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting a ban on flavored disposable e-cigarettes and expressed support for Congress to enact similar legislation.


The letters suggest growing discontent with the enforcement approach of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), particularly concerning flavored electronic cigarettes. While these products are currently illegal, the FDA has only issued warning letters to some manufacturers.


The voice of criticism from many sides.


The letters from Renowned Tobacco have caused opposition from industry researchers.


Eric Lindblom of Georgetown University's O'Neill Institute expressed criticism.


The Renau Tobacco Company should not behave in this manner (threatening merchants), as the FDA could have resolved this issue.


Clive Bates, an independent consultant and vocal advocate for reducing tobacco harm, has criticized Renault Tobacco.


It should not harass the little people, but rather compel federal bureaucratic institutions to do their job, and do it better.


A spokesperson for the company stated that the letters mention:


Removing these illegal products from store shelves demonstrates Renou Tobacco Company's commitment to consumer safety.


According to sources in the media, a letter from Renault Tobacco warns businesses that continue to sell illegal tobacco that they will face some form of consequences and implies that Renault Tobacco may terminate its partnership with these businesses.


Even including termination of your contract.


No shop has been formally charged yet.


According to Stat News, it appears that Renault has not actually sued any electronic cigarette stores. However, if Renault chooses to sue, they will likely do so under the state's unfair competition law.


In these two letters, lawyers for Renault Tobacco argue that the sale of flavored tobacco products violates relevant laws and "has and will continue to harm" Renault Tobacco's e-cigarette business. Renault may also argue that being forced to compete with illegal products will cut into its legal business. However, Stat News notes that this claim appears to contradict statements made by Renault Tobacco's parent company, British American Tobacco.


The CEO once told investors that the growth of disposable products in the United States did not have a negative impact on the company's business. He stated during a financial report conference call in February 2023 that Vuse is the fastest-growing nicotine product in the United States.


Further reading:


Tobacco company Altria and Reynolds have spent a significant amount of money on lobbying and encouraging black community groups to oppose a ban on menthol cigarettes.


Renault's "Mint-flavored" cigarettes avoid California's flavoring ban, replacing nearly half of menthol cigarettes in sales.


A US federal court has rejected a lawsuit filed by the tobacco industry against California's ban on flavored tobacco.


Renault loses another flavor ban lawsuit, as US Circuit Court upholds Minnesota flavor ban.


References:


. Tobacco company RJ Reynolds has issued a warning to vape shops, threatening legal action if they continue to sell flavored vape products.


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.

2Firsts Insights|JT to Launch New Ploom AURA Heated Device Nationwide in July
2Firsts Insights|JT to Launch New Ploom AURA Heated Device Nationwide in July
Japan Tobacco (JT) has launched a new heated tobacco device, Ploom AURA, along with EVO sticks in three flavors. The device features advanced heating and Bluetooth support. JT plans to invest ¥650 billion in reduced-risk products and aims to capture 10% of Japan’s heated tobacco market by 2028.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Chinese Taiwan Cracks Down on New Tobacco Products with 710,000 Inspections
Chinese Taiwan Cracks Down on New Tobacco Products with 710,000 Inspections
Since revising its laws, Chinese Taiwan has conducted over 710,000 inspections and issued nearly NT$500 million in fines, yet gaps remain in regulating online marketing.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. FDA Updates PMTA and SE Application Processes, Releases New Submission Forms and Validation Tools
U.S. FDA Updates PMTA and SE Application Processes, Releases New Submission Forms and Validation Tools
The U.S. FDA has released six new forms for submitting applications for new tobacco products, covering both the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) and Substantial Equivalence (SE) pathways. Starting July 6, 2025, all applicants will be required to use the updated forms, as previous versions will no longer be accepted.
Jun.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Over 40% of Teens in Northern Ireland Use E-Cigarettes
Over 40% of Teens in Northern Ireland Use E-Cigarettes
A new study by Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency (PHA) reveals that over 40% of students aged 17 to 18 currently use e-cigarettes, while 15% of teenagers overall are vaping. The PHA is calling for enhanced health education to help families and educators engage in open conversations with young people and discourage e-cigarette use.
May.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
From “2+10” Market Saturation to Prime Time: CFU Vaping Experience Offers a New Compliance Blueprint
From “2+10” Market Saturation to Prime Time: CFU Vaping Experience Offers a New Compliance Blueprint
At Vaper Expo UK, CFU Vaping Experience launched Prime 2ML, a superior alternative to traditional disposables, and Prime 10ML, a compliant solution for legal big puff. MixIn, the first smart hybrid device combining harm reduction with enhanced flavor, provides a viable option for smokers. Through technological innovation, CFU has brought sustainable solutions to the industry, leading it into a new “Prime Time.”
May.12
From Emphasizing Adjustability to Quantifying Metrics: Brands Like GEEKBAR and MR FOG Launch Refined Flavor Products
From Emphasizing Adjustability to Quantifying Metrics: Brands Like GEEKBAR and MR FOG Launch Refined Flavor Products
Since the second quarter of 2025, a new trend has emerged in the e-cigarette market, with a focus on detailed flavor descriptions. Brands such as GEEKBAR, MR FOG, and PYNE POD have launched new e-cigarette and e-liquid products. Instead of emphasizing overall adjustable flavor functions, these brands now provide detailed labels for each flavor, including levels of coolness, sweetness, and throat hit, as well as customized PG/VG ratios, offering more specific flavor information to consumers.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai