An important message from Dimitris. Please read, share, and act!
FDA regulations being delayed obviously is a good thing, hoping the OMB is taking a hard look at what they potentially will do to our industry. There is a huge drawback with the delay though. Individual states are taking regulatory approaches towards the ecig industry. Most of the time, the bills are coming from special interest groups that stand to gain financially by passing laws that restrict manufacturing in a particular state and monopolize the distribution of vapor products. In some cases (wrongfully so) even some independent ecig manufacturers think this is a good thing… (facepalm)
I cannot STRESS ENOUGH how important it is for your state to form an association with a professional lobby (not one paid in liquid for exchange…) representing your interests. No matter what approach you take and how you decide to form a group, YOU MUST do something NOW!
Currently:
- Georgia is trying to pass regulations very similar to Indiana that will put out of business hundreds of moms and pops operations.
- Alaska is trying to impose 100% wholesale tax on vapor products.
- West Virginia would impose a new tax on e-liquid of 7.5¢ per milliliter ($9.00 on a 120ml bottle!), a 12% wholesale tax on devices, and hike the tax on smoke-free tobacco products like snus from 7% to 12%.
- New Jersey S 298 would ban the sale of vapor products in flavors other than tobacco, clove, and menthol.
- Oregon has a bill that would enact a 50% tax on the retail price of vapor products, including liquids and devices.
And these are just a few examples on how even without FDA regulations, the distribution, availability and affordability of vapor products to ex smokers (and potential ex smokers) is threatened.
We believe vapor products are NOT tobacco products!
We believe that we have the right to choose a healthier lifestyle!
We believe that we must fight to protect our industry!The time to act is now!
Get organized in your state, work with national groups and oppose any legislation that would benefit special interest groups.
Dimitris Agrafiotis
Executive Director Tennessee Smoke Free Association
Chairman SEVIA USA
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