How FDA Regulation of Tobacco Products Prevent Underage Vaping
It’s no surprise that nowadays tobacco use among youth is widespread. Even though tobacco companies market to adults, underage usage continues to rise. More teens are at risk of developing serious health problems.
According to these statistics, 1 in 20 Americans is vaping. Among youth, it has increased by 1,800% from 2011 to 2019. It was evident that there’s a need for a ruling to protect minors from tobacco use.
On June 22, 2009, the government established an FDA regulation of tobacco products. With this, FDA has control over tobacco products. All tobacco establishments must follow the rules.
So how does the FDA regulation of tobacco products protect minors? Learn tobacco product regulation first by knowing the tobacco category. Then understand why it’s necessary to regulate tobacco.
The Underage Vaping Problem
A survey from 2020 states that 21.8% of 10th-12th graders are consuming tobacco products. This number leads to a huge public concern. Parents are more alert than ever about preventing their children from vaping products.
With the current vaping problem, the government developed public campaigns. They allow the industry to be more responsible in selling vape products. Campaigns can bring awareness and prevent youth from the dangers of vaping.
What granted the FDA to regulate tobacco?
The Tobacco Control Act gave authority to FDA to regulate tobacco products. Then, FDA regulation of tobacco products came into effect. FDA has power over the tobacco category.
In May 2016, the FDA issued the final rule to extend its power to regulate electronic cigarettes, cigars, and hookas. The FDA regulation of tobacco products had additional rules. The law required minimum age for selling the products under the tobacco category.
Restriction of Tobacco Marketing and Sales to Youth
The Tobacco Control Act prohibits teens from accessing any tobacco category products. This law prevents teens from using tobacco.
The FDA regulation of tobacco products protects youth through:
- No selling tobacco products to minors;
- No selling of vaping products through vending machines;
- No sponsorship of tobacco brands via sports and entertainment, social and cultural events;
- And no product giveaways or samples of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Tobacco Product Warning Labels
The Tobacco Control Act requires all tobacco manufacturers to have warnings. They need to add visible warning labels on their packaging and advertisements.
FDA requires warning label statements on two top sides of the package. It should cover at least 30% on each side. Advertisements, on the other hand, should cover at least 20% of the area. These changes hope to increase health risk awareness of tobacco use.
How does FDA regulation affect tobacco manufacturers?
Tobacco manufacturers should adhere to the FDA regulations. To follow, they must submit a product application to FDA. Then, they’d have to wait for marketing authorization from FDA.
According to FDA, products marketed on August 8, 2016, must apply for a marketing order. Companies have to submit by the end of September 9, 2020. After reviewing, FDA will grant marketing orders.
Responsible Marketing & Distribution for ENDS Products
Tobacco products are everywhere, which is why youth vaping is prevalent. To address the problem, the food drug administration must take over. Specific rules are necessary at this point.
Meanwhile, Bidi Vapor has always been against teenage vaping. The company complies with all set laws. Following the rules, Bidi Vapor does not market its products to the youth.
How do the BIDI® Youth Access Prevention Measures work?
Bidi Vapor restricts youth under 21 from using the BIDI® Stick. To protect minors, they implemented protective measures.
Adult-Centered Packaging & Warning Labels
BIDI® Stick’s packaging is professional. Following its design, it doesn’t have youth elements that may appeal to youth. BIDI® Stick contains the required nicotine and underage warning, with a tamper-resistant feature.
Retailer Pledge
Bidi Vapor established the Retailer Pledge to encourage partners to follow FDA rules. With an agreement, sellers must observe the proper age-verification process. Sellers must ask for a valid ID before selling the BIDI® Stick. Breaching the terms of the contract can lead to penalties and discontinued distribution rights.
Mystery Shopper
Mystery shoppers check to see if retailers follow the proper age verification process. Sellers must ask for IDs and verify the customers’ age before selling. Breaching the terms of the agreement can lead to penalties and discontinued distribution rights.
No Direct-to-Consumer Sales
Bidi Vapor discontinued online sales of the BIDI® Sticks through its website. In its effort to protect the youth, they made a bold move. No direct online sales strengthen the company’s efforts to prevent teens from vaping.
Bidi Vapor Does Not Market to the Youth
Bidi Vapor designed BIDI® Stick for adults aged 21 and above. Each device contains 6% Class A nicotine built for a premium vaping experience. With a UL Certified battery, it features a durable system to ensure consistent nicotine hits.
Bidi Vapor stands firmly against underage vaping. To learn more about our youth access prevention measures, visit this page.
