The Food and Drug Administration published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in July 2015 seeking public input for the regulation of e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products (i.e. dissolvables, lotions, gels, and drinks). Currently, the FDA regulates cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The FDA is considering extending its regulations to cover e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco products.

The agency is asking for specific information as it considers an expanded regulation, and it asks for comments on two general areas:

1) What health advisory warnings, if any, should be displayed on e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products? Should pictures be included?

2) Should the FDA require child-resistant packaging for liquid nicotine and other products?

 

You can read the full Advance notice of proposed rulemaking here: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/07/01/2015-16151/nicotine-exposure-warnings-and-child-resistant-packaging-for-liquid-nicotine-nicotine-containing#page-37556

-or-

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FDA-2015-N-1514-0001

 

How can you make your voice heard?

The notice has numbered questions for both areas of concerns, which you can address in your comments. Comments can be submitted electronically and via regular mail until August 31, 2015. Make sure to include Docket No FDA-2015-N-1514 in your letter.

• Electronic submission: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FDA-2015-N-1514-0001
• Regular mail: Address letters to: Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.

 

Sources:

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/07/01/2015-16151/nicotine-exposure-warnings-and-child-resistant-packaging-for-liquid-nicotine-nicotine-containing#page-37556

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/04/25/2014-09491/deeming-tobacco-products-to-be-subject-to-the-federal-food-drug-and-cosmetic-act-as-amended-by-the

 

Fariha Hussain, M.D.