Tag: news

BAT Outlines Five-Step Vapor Rules Plan

BAT has released a blueprint for how regulators and governments could better regulate vapor products and help smokers switch to less risky products.
During DTNF 2023, held from Sept 18-20 in Seoul, BAT’s global head of business communications, Jonathan Atwood, told attendees how BAT’s five-step plan for regulation could support achieving the right balance between harm reduction and the unintended consequences of access, including underage use.
Speaking on behalf of Kingsley Wheaton, BAT’s chief strategy & growth officer, Atwood said that reckless players in the market need to be penalized when they do not abide by the rules. He said the five suggestions are the areas that regulators should explore and establish “smart regulation” that is right for their market.
“First, on-device technology and functionality: vapor products should be accessible only to adults. Both underage prevention and restriction is crucial. On-device technology, when applied and enforced across entire markets, could help in this regard.
“Second, more recognition is needed that flavors are an important driver of adoption for smokers seeking alternatives. However, flavors in vapor products should not particularly appeal to anyone underage.
“Third is at the manufacturing and import level: ensuring that non-compliant products cannot reach the market in the first place.
“Fourth, where no restrictions exist already, regulators may want to look at who should be able to sell vapor products and where. Reasonable safeguards at the point-of-sale would help ensure these products are sold only to adult consumers. Solutions such as retail licensing and facial recognition technologies should be seriously considered.
“Lastly, enforcement and penalties: governments must wield their power and ensure consumers are purchasing legitimate products. Such measures should be rigorously enforced and those who fail to comply should face meaningful sanctions.”
Atwood said BAT was calling upon governments, regulators, and industry peers to rally towards a sustainable and progressive environment in which vaping products are sold and marketed responsibly.

September 19, 2023
FEELM Highlights OS Vape at InterTabac

The latest in vaping industry innovations made its debut during InterTabac 2023, held from September 14-16, as FEELM, a leading closed system solution provider, unveiled its OS Vape in a partnership with OS.
It is the first time FEELM has co-exhibited with its local partner during the world’s largest nicotine and tobacco trade show held in Dortmund, Germany.
OS, a major player in Germany’s shisha product market, recently ventured into the disposable vaping product market.
A representative from the FEELM booth said that collaborating with clients for exhibitions is a new strategy aimed at bolstering the client’s brand presence in local markets.
The FEELM spokesperson said the company intends to continue its co-exhibition format at major global exhibitions, joining forces with clients from various regions in a collective march towards a global presence.
OS Vape introduced a disposable vaping solution that delivers an elevated puff count, cost-efficiency, and unmatched vapor consistency, promising German consumers a rich vaping experience reminiscent of their cherished beers.
The OS Vape uses FEELM Max ceramic coil technology, disposable product the ability to provide 800+ puffs, a more than 30% enhancement in puff count compared to other common disposable products.
This establishes a new standard under TPD compliance, according to the FEELM spokesperson.
“Beyond puff count, OS Vape offers an exceptional vapor and taste consistency of over 95%. These groundbreaking advancements have undoubtedly propelled the vaping industry to new zeniths,” the spokesperson said. “Additionally, the signature transparent e-liquid tank not only alleviates e-liquid concerns but also adds a touch of aesthetic sophistication.”
September 14, 2023
TPMP Comment Period Extended

Credit: May1985
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended the comment period on its proposed rule for tobacco manufacturing practices.
Stakeholders now have until Oct. 6, 2023, to share their thoughts.
The proposed rule would place new requirements for tobacco product manufacturers regarding the manufacture, design, packing and storage of their products. According to the FDA, these proposed requirements would help protect public health by, among other things, minimizing or preventing contamination and limiting additional risks by ensuring product consistency.
August 28, 2023
FDA Tobacco Chief Discusses Relative Risk
Brian King (Photo: FDA)
In an article published in Addiction magazine, Brian King, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), explores the chances and considerations for informing adults who smoke cigarettes about the relative dangers of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. He collaborated with Benjamin Toll, director of the Medical University of South Carolina Tobacco Treatment Program and co-director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program.
The commentary highlights the findings of a recent survey about misperceptions of tobacco product harms, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The survey found that only about 20 percent of adults who smoke cigarettes believed e-cigarettes contain fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes. While there are no safe tobacco products, the available scientific evidence indicates that tobacco products exist on a continuum of risk, with cigarettes being the most harmful.
The commentary notes that opportunities exist to educate adults who smoke about the relative risks of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. However, these efforts should be accompanied by efforts to prevent youth tobacco product use; encourage first-line use of FDA-approved cessation therapies; and for adults who both smoke and use e-cigarettes, reinforce the importance of completely transitioning to e-cigarettes.
The commentary further emphasizes that any education efforts on the relative risks of tobacco products must be evidence-based. In particular, it is important to assess the benefits among the intended population (i.e., adults who smoke) and risks among unintended populations (e.g., youth). Currently, FDA is in the early stages of a research effort to assess messaging about the continuum of risk of tobacco products among adults who smoke.
Last week, the FDA announced a virtual listening session opportunity to verbally provide open public comment on the development of the new strategic plan, including proposed strategic goals. After introductions, the center will begin the listening session with an overview of the process used to develop the CTP’s strategic plan, including proposed goal areas.
Registration is open for the virtual listening session on the development of the CTP’s five-year strategic plan, which will take place on Aug. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. EDT.

August 15, 2023
McKinney Regulatory Science’s New Website

McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors has launch its new website that promises “a new era of innovation and transparency for their clients,” according to a press release.
The new platform describes an array of advisory services to nicotine and cannabis clients, with an emphasis on providing McKinney clients with the best available regulatory services.
Willie McKinney, CEO of McKinney, said the new website represents a significant milestone in journey to provide exceptional advisory services to our nicotine and cannabis clients.
“The revamped platform reflects our dedication to innovation, transparency, and client satisfaction, making it easier for clients to explore our services and access valuable regulatory resources,” he said
The new website offers a modern design that makes it easy for users to find the information they need quickly. It also features an intuitive navigation system that allows users to identify relevant services and access helpful resources rapidly, according to McKinney. Additionally, the site is optimized for mobile devices so that users can access the site from any device at any time.
“McKinney RSA focuses on providing comprehensive solutions that meet complex regulatory requirements while also delivering superior customer service,” the release states. “With decades of industry experience under their belt, they are committed to helping their clients succeed by providing top-notch guidance every step of the way.”
August 14, 2023
Distributors Accused of Racketeering

Credit: Vitalii Vodolazskyi
New York City has filed a lawsuit in federal court charging four vaping product distributors and six persons associated with the companies for illegally selling flavored vaping products other than tobacco in the city. It is possible more companies will be added to the suit.
The civil lawsuit, filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims the defendants violated “nearly every federal, New York State and New York City law applicable to the marketing, distribution, and sale of flavored e-cigarettes, the sales of which are prohibited under laws enacted by all three jurisdictions.”
Named in the suit are Magellan Technology Inc., Ecto World LLC (Demand Vape), Mahant Krupa 56 LLC (Empire Vape Distributors) and Star Vape Corp. Also named were Matthew Glauser, Donald Hashagen, Russell Rogers, Nikunj Patel, Devang Koya and Nabil Hassen. The suit also mentions Puff Bar, Elf Bar and Hyde products, however, those manufacturers were not named in the suit.
The lawsuit alleges the defendants committed mail and wire fraud, alongside violations of New York City’s Administrative Code, New York State Public Health Law, and the federal Tobacco Control Act. The city also accuses the companies of violating both the federal Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act.
The suit centers on disposable flavored vapes. However, the suit alleges that is seeking relief for any type of flavored e-cigarette product on the market. This would suggest the suit could grow into anyone entity that has sold flavored vaping products in the city.
“Although this action speaks principally about (flavored disposables), the favorite type of electronic nicotine delivery system among youth and the most intentionally directed to that market, the City seeks relief for defendants’ violation of laws applicable to e-cigarettes regardless of the type of device with which the violation is committed,” the suit states. “Any non-FDA approved [the FDA authorizes for marketing; it does not approve products] e-cigarette containing a flavored e-liquid is governed by the laws under which the City’s claims are brought and the City seeks relief with respect to all such devices.”
The city says it “seeks to recover monetary damages and civil penalties from the defendants, potentially totaling millions,” according to a press release. The suit also alleges the sales of disposable flavored vapes created a youth use crisis. The suit alleges the largest increase in youth use ever. The claim is unsupported by any facts.
“By distributing devices that provide larger than normal doses of nicotine in a mild aerosol formulated to reduce or eliminate the harshness of burning tobacco and tasting pleasantly of fruit, candy or desserts, [flavored vaping device] manufacturers and distributors have triggered the largest increases in youth nicotine use ever seen,” the suit claims.
The lawsuit states the city will seek triple the damages awarded at trial under the RICO guidelines.
July 11, 2023
Ghana Outlaws Vape Sales and Promotion

Ghana has banned all recreational use of vaping and e-cigarette products.
In a press release, the country’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) states that the “sale, advertisement and recreational use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as vapes and other non-nicotine tobacco products by the public” is illegal.
However, ENDS can be registered as a prescription-only medicine for the purposes of cessation therapy.
The FDA claims it has sent notice to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers to remove all advertisements on social media, billboards and neon signs immediately and refrain from the importation of the products.
The FDA states that there “will be repercussions including sanctions” for failure to adhere to the rules.
July 9, 2023
Vaporesso Launches Products in Dubai

Vaporesso, the open system arm of the world’s largest atomization company, Smoore International, unveiled two groundbreaking products, the Vaporesso COSS and Vaporesso ECO, at the World Vape Show held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from June 21 to 23.
“We are thrilled to introduce Vaporesso COSS and Vaporesso ECO to more vapers at the show. These two revolutionary products are set to enhance the vaping experience, with their user-friendly features and eco-friendly design,” said Jimmy Hu, vice president of Vaporesso.
The COSS is being labeled as a “game-changer in the vaping industry,” according to a press release. The system addresses the pain points of existing products and offers an intuitive design that caters to the vaping habits of users.
“The product’s slogan, Convenient Operating, Smart Supplying, embodies its features. The Vaporesso COSS boasts the smallest size of vaping device and the longest battery life,” according to the release. “It also comes with an automatic liquid filling and charging feature. With Coil-oil Separation System, the Vaporesso COSS ensures a fresh taste without any leakage, and its consistent taste is a unique feature that sets it apart from other products.”
The ECO emphasizes the value of being eco-friendly, economical, and eco-self, according to the release. It is refillable and rechargeable. Along with its larger capacity, longer battery life, reduced heavy metal content, and leather paper packaging that can be reused and recycled, the ECO is more cost-saving, eco-friendly, and safer for both the environment and humans when compared to disposable products. The product’s daily usage costs are reduced by 60 percent, which makes it accessible to a wider audience.
“In addition to COSS and ECO, the company also has an IP counter featuring its highly popular XROS Series and LUXE X Series, along with a special display counter for its TARGET Series and GEN Series,” the release states.

July 3, 2023
FEELM Wins 7 Times at MENA Vape Awards

The closed-system solution provider for the world’s largest atomization company, Smoore, captured seven prestigious awards at the Vapouround Mena Vape Awards 2023 held during World Vape Show Dubai.
FEELM, a subsidiary of Smoore, earned high praise at the vent and was crowned Best Manufacturer and Industry Leader beating out a roster of international competition.
Speaking after the ceremony, Rex Zhang, assistant president of FEELM said it was an honor to be recognized as a main player in the industry.
“This is especially exciting considering FEELM also walked away a winner at the Vapouround Global Awards in the UK earlier this year,” he said. “We pour huge amounts of time, effort and resources into optimizing our brand to be the best it can be and developing new technologies that can level up the vape category as a whole – these awards act as proof that we are very much on the right track.”
As well as celebrating its own successes at the Dubai event, FEELM also saw some of its clients take to the winner’s podium. Vape brands PYRO, Aroma King and DEJA VOO – which use FEELM technology in their products – won Best Newcomer, Industry Leader and Best Disposable respectively.
Adding to the list of accolades for brands using FEELM technology, RELX garnered the Best Brand award and also received recognition for its WAKA device securing the runner-up position for Best Newcomer.
“Congratulations to both of these companies. It’s great to see exceptional brands, who are doing exceptional things, get the recognition they deserve,” said Zhang.
The Vapouround MENA Awards coincides with the World Vape Show (WVS) in Dubai, which is one of the biggest expos in the industry calendar.
FEELM used this year’s WVS event as an opportunity to showcase its latest technological developments such as FEELM Max, Topower and Power Alpha.
June 27, 2023
Topower Brings More Puffs and Better Battery

A new disposable vape battery solution was showcased during the World Vape Show Dubai, held from June 21-23.
The pioneering power technology developed by FEELM, a subsidiary of the world’s largest atomization technology company Smoore, is intended for markets that allow higher puff counts and has been designed to increase the endurance of single-use devices.
When compared to mainstream batteries, the new Topower offers 30 percent more capacity with the battery size remaining unchanged and can deliver over 6,000 puffs without needing to be recharged.
Topower also provides a constant power output that reduces the loss of taste caused by voltage drop.
FEELM says the new innovation also boasts the “longest shelf life in the industry,” according to a press release, promising just 1 percent power attenuation over six months and 3 percent over a year – which the brand says is 1/10th the level seen in traditional batteries.
“This is our new battery technology customized for higher puff disposable vape, with large puff vaping without charging, ultimate-low discharge, ultimate-high energy density,” said Rex Zhang assistant president of FEELM. “The end goal for our industry is to create a smoke-free future and unburden adults from the harms of deadly cigarettes – technology is going to play a leading role in achieving this.”
Zhang said the no-charge element of Topower was beneficial not just for brands, but for consumers as well. He said the battery solution eradicates the need for additional charging cables, which eliminates the necessity for internal charging devices and consequently saves on production costs.
He also said consumers would no longer need to “worry about when and where they could next plug their disposable, which can reduce user anxieties and create a more convenient vaping experience,” according to the release.
Topower has been incorporated into two solutions – FEELM Max’s ceramic coil disposable solution and Power Alpha‘s mesh coil solution.
FEELM Max and Power Alpha have already been extensively commercialized and have achieved considerable success in multiple countries.
June 26, 2023