Trump wins U.S. election | Expert analysis on e-cigarette policy direction under the next administration

Nov.06.2024
Trump wins U.S. election | Expert analysis on e-cigarette policy direction under the next administration
Tom Beaudet, CEO of U.S. compliance firm Accorto, reviewed the effectiveness of past bipartisan policies and predicts that the FDA will improve its review process, allowing e-cigarette products to gain market approval more quickly in the future.

The results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election have been revealed, with Donald Trump elected as the new president. As the largest e-cigarette market in the world, the direction and regulatory policies of the U.S. market have significant global implications. How the new administration will regulate e-cigarettes and the future of the U.S. e-cigarette market are questions drawing global industry attention. As a leading global vaping technology media and think tank, 2Firsts quickly connected with U.S. compliance experts to provide the most authoritative analysis.

 

Tom Beaudet, CEO of U.S. compliance firm Accorto, shared with 2Firsts his thoughts on the regulatory approaches and actions of both the Trump administration and the current Democratic government on e-cigarettes. He emphasized that, during the current administration's four years, only 9 harm-reduction product applications were approved, despite millions of applications being submitted. He predicts that under the next administration, the FDA may gradually establish a clearer market entry pathway, helping companies that submit complete scientific data gain market access more quickly.

 

Trump wins U.S. election | Expert analysis on e-cigarette policy direction under the next administration
Accorto CEO Tom Beaudet | Image source: 2Firsts

 

Read the full perspective from Tom Beaudet:

 

  • Several weeks ago, ex President Donald Trump made the statement that he saved flavored vapes in 2020 and that, if he is elected again, he will save flavors again. However, it must be remembered that flavored closed pod systems were banned during the Trump presidency.

 

  • During the past 4 years, FDA has only approved 9 new harm reduction products, although applications have been submitted for millions of new products.  Although the vast majority of those applications were not complete with the scientific data needed for substantive review by the CTP Office of Science, several companies did submit high quality applications and are still awaiting a final decision.  Many question why we should expect anything different under another Democratic Party administration.

 

  • There is hope, regardless of who walks away victorious on November 5.  The US VTA, led by their president Tony Abud, has been aggressively working to educate members of Congress from both parties about the life saving potential of Nicotine Harm Reduction products and the importance of making changes at FDA to repair the currently broken review process.  Regardless of who wins tomorrow, we should expect to see improvements in the PMTA review process where applications who spend the money and time to submit high quality applications have a known and proven pathway to a Market Granted Order.  As more products are approved and we develop a pool of predicate products to reference, the known pathway to success will be come more and more established.

 


 

2Firsts will continue to bring the latest reports and interpretations on U.S. e-cigarette policies.

 

Disclaimer: This article represents only the views of the expert.

Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
A bill introduced by Uruguayan lawmaker Álvaro Dastugue proposes banning smoking and vaping in public spaces that include children’s play areas, as well as at bus stops and nearby waiting zones. The draft legislation aims to reduce involuntary exposure to smoke and aerosols from tobacco, marijuana and electronic vaping devices.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Bangkok police said they raided two warehouse locations linked to an online distribution network for illicit vaping/heated-tobacco products, seizing IQOS ILUMA i devices and large quantities of TEREA sticks worth more than 30 million baht (about US$960,000). Three suspects described as administrators and caretakers were arrested, while investigators probe suspected smuggling routes and unpaid excise liabilities.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Consultation opens for Tasmania’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026
Consultation opens for Tasmania’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026
Consultation opened on February 6, 2026 for the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026. The Bill intends to address illicit trade in tobacco, nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, which has increased significantly across Tasmania in recent years. It proposes changes to the Public Health Act 1997 to further protect the health of Tasmanians by reducing the sale and supply of illicit tobacco, vaping and other products, and to strengthen existing tobacco control laws.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan is preparing legislation that could impose a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes. Upper house chair Rustami Emomali (Рустами Эмомали) has ordered the drafting of a bill, which is still under development. Retailers have begun scaling back sales amid tightening signals, while existing tobacco-control rules already restrict smoking in many public places and set fines.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reshuffles South Africa leadership, appoints first female general manager
PMI reshuffles South Africa leadership, appoints first female general manager
Philip Morris International (PMI) said it has appointed Buena Barnes as general manager of its South Africa business, marking the first time a woman has held the role in the country. Barnes previously oversaw finance for Sub-Saharan Africa and has worked at GlaxoSmithKline South Africa and British American Tobacco South Africa.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s customs data show vape (REL) excise revenue reached Rp 2.84 trillion in 2025 (≈$170.4 million), up 7.38% year over year. The gain came even as overall tobacco excise revenue declined. Minimum retail price benchmarks (HJE) for vape products rose in 2025, while excise rates remained unchanged from 2024; open-system e-liquids accounted for the largest share of revenue.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai