Trump's FDA is getting an overhaul. It’s time to crush China's illegal vape empire
For the first time since May, the Food and Drug Administration is set to have new leadership, as Dr. Heidi Overton undergoes her confirmation hearing following her nomination by President Donald Trump. However, no matter who the next FDA commissioner is, there’s no doubt America’s illicit vape crisis will loom large over their early priorities. More than 80% of vapes on the market are illicit products. But, with such a huge problem also comes great opportunities for Overton to make quick progress that appeals to both sides of the aisle.
TL;DR
- The American vape market is flooded with over 80% illicit products, largely due to Chinese manufacturers and criminal cartels.
- The FDA has a backlog of 26 million pending product applications, with only 48 e-cigarettes authorized for sale.
- Illicit vapes create an unfair competitive disadvantage for law-abiding American retailers.
- A proposed solution is for the FDA to publish a clear, searchable registry of approved and rejected vape products.
- This registry would allow retailers to verify compliance, help law enforcement identify illicit operators, and inform consumers.
- Creating this registry is seen as an opportunity for new FDA leadership, like nominee Dr. Heidi Overton, to make quick progress.