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Quality and compliance separate good, bad players in vaping category
MELBOURNE, Fla. – The vaping industry is highly regulated by the U.S. federal government because it impacts on people’s health and threatens the well-being of individuals under 21 years old. Thus, this calls for players to strictly follow regulations and guidelines otherwise stiff penalties and sanctions befall them.
Manufacturers trying to navigate the quickly evolving space need to comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) ongoing review process with its Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (PMTAs), while at the same time, battle a “flood” of product from suppliers that blatantly ignore governmental standards.
“We’re seeing new competitors in the market who have no intention of meeting the regulatory standards that we’ve worked so hard to meet,” says Niraj Patel, president and CEO of BIDI® Vapor, LLC, maker of the BIDI® Stick disposable vape pen. “All we can do in continue to work with federal, state and local agencies to maintain important standards—everything from producing high-quality devices to engaging in marketing efforts designed to deter sales to anyone under the legal, tobacco-buying age of 21.”
Retailers and distributors concerned about selling premium products that comply with ongoing regulatory measures should consider the following qualities:
- Regulatory compliance. E-cigarette manufacturers should follow guidance from state and local health departments, as well as the FDA through its PMTA process.
- Quality parts. Devices made with medical-grade components, UL-certified batteries and design elements that reduce mouthpiece condensation and deliver consistent doses better satisfy customer needs than subpar and counterfeit devices.
- Consistent experience. E-cigarettes offer different levels of quality, including consistency of experience. The more consistent the draw, greater the value to customers.
- Prioritizing age verification. All manufacturers should implement as many age-verification controls as possible, including everything from marketing measures to contractual sales commitments.
- Sustainability. Does the manufacturer have in place a viable sustainability program? Forward-thinking companies have plans to engage recycling of all or significant parts of their products.
- Fighting counterfeit, subpar devices. Companies that invest time and effort at curbing the illegal sale of counterfeit or subpar devices are invested in the welfare of its customers. Such efforts can be costly, but illustrate the mission of companies to meet the needs of the adult smoker, 21 years and older.
Melbourne, Fla.-based BIDI® Vapor is in continuous communication with federal, state and local agencies to comply with all standards. Having submitted its PMTA prior to the FDA’s September deadline, officials with the vaping company are intent on supporting its submission through the agency’s ongoing review process.
The company’s BIDI® Stick, a premium-quality vape pen, uses medical-grade components, a UL-certified battery and other design elements to provide users a consistent experience with every draw, officials said. “Not all e-cigarettes are the same,” Patel said. “Some companies are taking a responsible approach to addressing the needs of the adult smoker 21 and over. Others are not.”
