The importance of product definitions in US e-cigarette laws and regulations

Tob Control. 2016 Apr;25(e1):e44-51. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2014-051913. Epub 2014 Dec 14.

Abstract

Background: How electronic cigarettes and similar products (e-cigarettes) are defined affects how they are regulated, particularly whether existing laws for cigarettes apply, including sales and marketing, youth access, smoke-free and taxation laws.

Methods: We examined the text of 46 bills that define e-cigarettes enacted in 40 states and characterised how e-cigarettes and similar products were defined.

Results: States enact laws creating new product categories for e-cigarettes separate from the 'tobacco product' category (eg, 'alternative nicotine product,' 'vapour product,' 'electronic nicotine device'), with four states explicitly excluding e-cigarettes from 'tobacco products.' Twenty-eight states do not include e-cigarettes in their definitions of 'tobacco products' or 'smoking,' eight include e-cigarettes as 'tobacco products,' three include e-cigarettes in 'smoking.' Sixteen states' definitions of e-cigarettes require nicotine, and five states pre-empt more stringent local laws. Tobacco and e-cigarette industry representatives tried to shape laws that benefit their interests.

Conclusions: Definitions separating e-cigarettes from other tobacco products are common. Similar to past 'Trojan horse' policies, e-cigarette policies that initially appear to restrict sales (eg, limit youth access) may actually undermine regulation if they establish local pre-emption or create definitions that divide e-cigarettes from other tobacco products. Comparable issues are raised by the European Union Tobacco Products Directive and e-cigarette regulations in other countries. Policymakers should carefully draft legislation with definitions of e-cigarettes that broadly define the products, do not require nicotine or tobacco, do not pre-empt stronger regulations and explicitly include e-cigarettes in smoke-free and taxation laws.

Keywords: Electronic nicotine delivery devices; Non-cigarette tobacco products; Public policy; Taxation; Tobacco industry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / classification*
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Government Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Local Government*
  • Policy Making
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Smoking Cessation / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Terminology as Topic*
  • Tobacco Products / classification
  • Tobacco Products / legislation & jurisprudence
  • United States
  • Vaping / legislation & jurisprudence*