Vaping regulations impact Midstate businesses - abc27

Daryl Cura demonstrates an e-cigarette at Vape store in Chicago, Wednesday, April 23, 2014. The federal government wants to ban sales of electronic cigarettes to minors and require approval for new products and health warning labels under regulations being proposed by the Food and Drug Administration. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Touted as safer alternatives to smoking, vaping products must now get FDA approval prior to sale which is putting local vape shops out of business.

Vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and nicotine are the main ingredients that make up vapor. Local shops say they need to stay in business to keep Pennsylvania healthier.

As of August 8, the FDA began implementing new regulations nationwide. Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives, CASAA, said come August 8, 2018, all products made since 2007 will be taken off the market.

CASAA Legislative Coordinator Alex Clark said, “Within two years 99% of vapor products currently on the market will be removed from the market.” Many say this will force the vaping community to resort to less healthy outdated products.

In addition, there is a new state tax on the horizon. Clark said, “It’s a Pa. law that’s a 40% wholesale tax on products and the effective date for that is oct.1st of this year.” One week into the regulations being rolled out local vape shops like Hostile Vape and Cloudcraft are closed/on the verge of closing.

Smooth Vape employee Michael Marks said, “to see another local shop close because of this it’s painful to see it honestly! Helping people get off of smoking is our ultimate goal, help people live a happier smoke-free life.”

It’s two months until the tax increase hits stores and two years until the FDA regulations go into effect.


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