Purpose:**
**To establish a new regulatory body dedicated solely to overseeing the vaping and electronic nicotine industry, distinct from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The new body will ensure consumer safety while promoting fair competition and preventing undue influence from pharmaceutical and tobacco companies.
1. Establishment of the Office for Vaping and Nicotine Regulation (OVNR):
The OVNR will be a fully independent, government-run agency responsible for regulating all vaping and electronic nicotine products. The FDA will no longer have jurisdiction over these products to eliminate conflicts of interest related to the pharmaceutical and tobacco industries.
2. American-Made Products Only:
All vaping and electronic nicotine products sold in the United States must be manufactured by American-based companies. This is to ensure the highest safety standards and promote economic growth by supporting domestic manufacturing.
3. Prohibition of Child-Targeted Marketing:
The OVNR will strictly prohibit any marketing or branding that targets minors. This includes the use of cartoon characters, candy flavors, or any other materials designed to appeal to children. Violators will face severe penalties, including fines and suspension of product sales.
4. Age Restriction – 21+ Only:
The purchase of vaping and electronic nicotine products will be restricted to individuals aged 21 and above. All vendors, both online and offline, must adhere to strict age verification processes to prevent sales to minors.
5. Product Safety Standards:
The OVNR will set stringent safety standards for all vaping products to protect consumers who choose vaping as an alternative to cigarette smoking. These standards will cover:
- Ingredients and manufacturing processes: Ensuring that all components are safe for inhalation and free from harmful contaminants.
- Product testing and labeling: Clear labeling on all products, with detailed information about ingredients, nicotine levels, and potential health risks.
- Battery safety: Ensuring that all devices meet strict requirements to prevent malfunctions or injuries caused by device failures.
- Health Monitoring: Implementing long-term health studies to monitor the impact of vaping and adjust regulations as necessary.
6. Fair Market Practices:
The OVNR will guarantee that no company holds a monopoly or unfair advantage in the vaping market. All companies, regardless of size, will be subject to the same standards, promoting innovation and competition.
7. Ban on FDA’s Involvement in Vaping Regulations:
The FDA will no longer have the authority to regulate vaping products or impose bans on specific items. Instead, all regulations will be determined by the OVNR based on safety, consumer protection, and public health without financial bias.
8. No Additional Taxes Beyond Standard Sales Tax:
Vaping and electronic nicotine products will not be subject to any additional taxes beyond the standard state and local sales tax. Excessive taxation on these products unfairly burdens consumers and can create a black market. The standard sales tax is deemed sufficient to support regulatory oversight and enforcement, ensuring that the products remain accessible to adult consumers choosing vaping as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking.
9. Maximum Puff Limit for Disposable Vapes:
To ensure responsible use and prevent excessive consumption, disposable vaping devices will have a regulated maximum puff count. This limit will prevent excessively high-capacity disposables from being sold, promoting moderation and reducing waste. The specific limit will be determined by the OVNR in consultation with health experts and industry stakeholders.
10. Maximum Nicotine Content Regulation:
The OVNR will implement a maximum allowable nicotine content for all vaping products, similar to the standards in European nations. This will help maintain consumer safety and reduce the risk of nicotine addiction, while still allowing vaping as a viable alternative to traditional smoking. All products must comply with these limits to remain on the market.
This policy aims to protect public health, preserve the rights of adult consumers to use vaping products as an alternative to smoking, and promote a competitive American-made industry free from external influence.