FDA e-cigarette rules unfair to small businesses

I own four retail vape shops called Galaxy Vapors. We are a reputable business known by our customers for providing quality products. However, my business and many other Washington state small businesses are at risk because of current FDA regulations on e-cigarettes.

Under the existing FDA rule, called the “deeming rule,” any new vapor products — including e-cigarettes and e-liquids — that entered the market after 2007 would need to go through a long, expensive reauthorization process. The FDA estimates this will cost $350,000 to $500,000 for each product. Simply put, this will force most small vape businesses to close.

By driving vapor manufacturers and retailers out of business, this will also create an unregulated black market. My customers, and vapor consumers all over the country, rely on these products as alternatives to smoking cigarettes. We must make sure they are effectively regulated and follow clear product standards.

The Cole-Bishop Act would modernize the cut-off date for re-approval to 2016 and instead require the FDA to establish clear product standards for all vape products. The bill would also require “Keep Out of Reach of Children” and “Underage Sale Prohibited” labels and restrict advertising to adults, to make sure vapor products are kept out of children’s hands.

Tell Sen. Patty Murray the Cole-Bishop Act is good for protecting Washington’s small business like mine – and for protecting all Washingtonians.

Joe Baba

Everett