FDA to Regulate E-Cigarettes Just Like Tobacco

Agency Will Not Regulate E-Cigarettes Under the Stricter Rules That Apply to Medical Products

The FDA has decided to oversee electronic cigarettes the same way it does tobacco products. The agency will not regulate the vapor-producing devices under the stricter federal rules that apply to medical products.

The FDA says it decided not to appeal a federal appeals court ruling asserting that e-cigarettes could be regulated as tobacco products and “are not drugs or devices” unless specifically marketed for therapeutic purposes, such as purporting to help people quit smoking.

The decision not to appeal was announced in a letter to the public and stakeholders from Lawrence R. Deyton, MD, MSPH, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, and Janet Woodcock, MD, director of the agency’s Drug Evaluation and Research.

Libs support Labor internet tobacco ad ban

Labor MPs have urged the coalition to stop accepting political donations from tobacco companies as the lower house debates a ban on cigarette advertising on the internet.

The coalition is supporting a government amendment to tobacco advertising laws to restrict ads on the internet in line with other media.

The move will mean it will be an offence to advertise tobacco products on the internet.

Liberal MP Andrew Southcott said the coalition shared a common desire with Labor to achieve a healthier society.

The current laws lacked clarity, Dr Southcott told parliament.