If you’re a fan of vaping, you’ll find that changes are coming to Silverdale, surrounding Washington state areas, and the US.
The Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act could spell tough times for the vaping industry. The act requires that all new tobacco products apply for authorization before selling goods to the public.
Any tobacco product without PMTA approval is now illegal for sale in the United States. Without authorization, unapproved tobacco products are potentially impure and prohibited according to federal law.
To learn more about PMTA and what effect it will have on the vaping market, read on.
What’s the PMTA?
PMTA is an acronym for pre-market tobacco authorization. It’s an application that manufacturers must file with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market and sell their goods.
The Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act offers leniency for products on the market before February 2007. In this case, manufacturers can pursue a simpler licensing process. However, no vaping products existed before this time.
Resultantly, the cigarette industry will benefit greatly from PMTA. Its tobacco products will remain on the market, as the law virtually eliminates competition from the vaping industry. Meanwhile, vaping product manufacturers will have to pursue the full, lengthy PMTA process.
The act will affect the entire vaping industry. For example, companies that import e-liquids will have to go through the application process. Even small vape stores that make e-liquid will have to apply to sell their products.
The act also affects vape components. For example, companies that make drip tips and atomizers will also have to go through the PTMA process.
Furthermore, companies must apply for approval for each product that they sell. Consider an e-liquid products manufacturer. They will have to apply for approval for every combination and flavor of nicotine products that they produce.
During the Obama administration, FDA representatives and economic advisors warned the president that implementing the PMTA process too quickly would have severe financial repercussions. The current administration also tried to extend the PMTA deadline. Nevertheless, the act moved forward and will most likely drastically change the landscape of the vaping industry.
Effect of PMTAs on the Market
From a legislative perspective, the PMTA process will have its desired market effects. It will make it harder for tobacco companies to introduce new products to consumers.
The requirements to receive FDA approval are considerable. Companies must produce evidence and documentation to prove that their products are appropriate for protecting public health.
However, this isn’t even the most challenging part of the application process. The financial aspect of applying for FDA tobacco sales approval is even more problematic.
Each application may cost between $117,000 and $466,000. A company must pay the application fee for each product that they want to sell.
For example, a company will have to prove that their product meets FDA standards and pay from around $100,000 to nearly a half-million dollars for each application. Also, the cost of generating the required documentation for each product will add to this cost.
Furthermore, companies must prove that their products are “appropriate for the protection of public health.” Aside from the cost, this requirement alone will prove insurmountable for many smaller companies.
In effect, the act is a death knell for many small operators. Companies without the resources and finances to successfully navigate the PMTA process will have to shutter.
A Tough Road Ahead for Vape Shops
The PMTA creates a higher barrier to entry into the tobacco industry. The cost of applying for FDA approval will cause many companies to go out of business.
Every variation of a product that a company produces has a stock-keeping unit (SKU) number. Vape companies must go through the PMTA for each SKU. In total, the process can cost millions of dollars per application.
A small vape shop that produces its own products would need to pay billions of dollars to seek FDA approval for its entire catalog. There’s no small business they can afford those kinds of fees. Accordingly, the PMTA will eliminate many smaller vape firms from the industry.
Consequences of PMTA for Vapers
The cost and difficulty of winning FDA approval will lead to a drastic change in vape product availability. More than likely, many smaller companies will shut down, rather than apply for FDA approval.
However, even the companies that can weather the application process will most likely reduce their product lineups. It’s unlikely that they’ll have the resources to apply to have all of their products approved. Furthermore, there’s no guarantee that the FDA will approve the applications that companies do submit.
In effect, the PMTA requirement will stymie the vape industry in its infancy. However, tobacco companies that have existed for years and accumulated substantial war chests will remain relatively unscathed.
Long-standing tobacco companies already have the infrastructure in place to manage compliance with FDA regulations. It’s unlikely that the PMTA will have any effect on their operations.
Still, vape products will remain on the market. The vape universe will get smaller. However, it won’t disappear completely.
Your Trusted Source for Vape Supplies
The PMTA process may change product availability. However, you can still have a great time at your favorite vape shop.
Granite Vapor is your friendly neighborhood vape shop serving Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Silverdale, WA. Our shop is your place for a family vibe in a modern setting.
At Granite Vapor, we currently stock more than 160 flavors of e-liquids. You’re sure to find the selection that you crave.
We run an inclusive operation that strives to provide an enjoyable, enlightening experience for all. Whether you’re new to vaping or a vaping pro, we want you to feel welcome in our store.
Please feel free to browse our online selection at GraniteVapor.com. If you have questions, you can stop in—or speak to one of our vape experts at (360) 692-1201 or connect with us online.