Latest news with #DemandVape
TimesLIVE
9 hours ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
USPS blocks shipping of illicit vapes in boost for Big Tobacco
The US Postal Service (USPS) has cracked down on distributors of unregulated vapes using its services for business shipments, letters reviewed by Reuters show, in a blow to a multibillion dollar industry that has dented Big Tobacco's sales. The letters, previously unreported, show the USPS wrote to major New York-based distributor Demand Vape, blocking it from using its services after New York City's (NYC) law department, which represents the city's government and officials in legal matters, provided evidence that its shipments broke laws. The USPS' action stands to benefit tobacco giants including Altria and British American Tobacco (BAT), which have for years battled against unregulated vapes, mostly from China. Unregulated vapes lack authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (DFA) required for them to be legally sold in the US, the world's largest market for smoking alternatives. The USPS revoked Demand Vape's mailing exception last month after it received evidence the company shipped vapes lacking FDA authorisation and that violated a local flavour ban, a letter from the USPS to the company, dated July 15, showed. 'Your local Buffalo business mail entry office will not accept any packages from Demand Vape that contain ENDS products,' the letter read, referring to electronic nicotine delivery systems, another term for vapes. Demand Vape said it complied with relevant laws and was contesting the revocation, adding the industry operates in a 'regulatory grey zone' with only a small number of FDA-authorised products that do not meet consumer demand. 'We reject any characterisation that paints Demand Vape as anything other than a transparent, lawful and reputable business,' it said. The USPS did not respond to a request for comment. So far, the FDA has authorised only 39 e-cigarette products. But unauthorised devices are widely available as authorities struggle to contain them. Under a 2021 law, the USPS is restricted from mailing vapes directly to consumers, internationally and in most other circumstances. The limited exceptions include domestic shipments between businesses, which need a 'mailing exception' and their shipments must comply with relevant laws. Some other large carriers, including FedEx, refuse to ship vapes. DHL only offers carriage for business shipments with prior approval. The USPS has provided NYC's law department with a list of other vape firms it has granted mailing exceptions so it can assess whether they should be challenged, in line with legal requirements, Eric Proshansky, deputy chief of the city's division of affirmative litigation, told Reuters. This could further limit the number of carriers available to the unauthorised vape industry. Other options, such as using smaller carriers or handling freight directly, tend to be more costly. BAT estimated the unauthorised vape market was worth about $8.05bn (R142.6bn) last year. It is, however, increasingly under pressure. This year's US import tariffs and seizures at ports have reduced unauthorised vape imports. The FDA also wrote letters to 24 US-based middlemen, including distributors crucial to the unauthorised vape market, as part of a crackdown in May. This has led to empty shelves in vape shops, said Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association, which represents firms including Demand Vape. The USPS revocations will further damage US vape businesses, he said. One of the largest US e-cigarette distributors, Demand Vape sells to about 5,000 retailers in 49 states, according to 2024 filings in a NYC lawsuit against the company. The evidence city attorneys provided to the USPS included copies of invoices showing Demand Vape's sales of unauthorised e-cigarettes. Brands the FDA has specifically flagged as illegal to sell were among them, a separate letter reviewed by Reuters showed.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
USPS blocks shipping of illicit vapes in boost for Big Tobacco
London: The U.S. Postal Service has cracked down on distributors of unregulated vapes using its services for business shipments, letters reviewed by Reuters show, in a blow to a multi-billion dollar industry that has dented Big Tobacco 's sales. The letters, previously unreported, show that USPS wrote to major New York-based distributor Demand Vape , blocking it from using its services after New York City's Law Department, which represents the city's government and officials in legal matters, provided evidence that its shipments broke laws. USPS' action stands to benefit tobacco giants including Altria and British American Tobacco, which have for years battled against unregulated vapes, mostly from China. Unregulated vapes lack the authorisation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that is required for them to be legally sold in the United States, the world's largest market for smoking alternatives. USPS revoked Demand Vape's mailing exception last month after it received evidence the company shipped vapes lacking FDA authorisation and that violated a local flavour ban, a letter from USPS to the company, dated July 15, showed. "Your local Buffalo BME Office will not accept any packages from... Demand Vape that contain ENDS products," the letter read, referring to electronic nicotine delivery systems, another term for vapes. Demand Vape said it complied with relevant laws and was contesting the revocation, adding the industry operates in a "regulatory grey zone" with only a small number of FDA-authorised products that do not meet consumer demand. "We reject any characterisation that paints Demand Vape as anything other than a transparent, lawful and reputable business," it said in a statement. USPS did not respond to a request for comment. LIMITED EXCEPTIONS So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorised only 39 e-cigarette products. But unauthorised devices are widely available as authorities struggle to contain them. Under a 2021 law, USPS is restricted from mailing vapes directly to consumers, internationally and in most other circumstances. The limited exceptions include domestic shipments between businesses, which need a "mailing exception" and their shipments must comply with relevant laws. Some other large carriers, including FedEx, refuse to ship vapes. DHL only offers carriage for business shipments with prior approval. USPS has provided NYC's Law Department with a list of other vape firms it has granted mailing exceptions so it can assess whether they should be challenged, in line with legal requirements, Eric Proshansky, deputy chief of the city's division of affirmative litigation, told Reuters. This could further limit the number of carriers available to the unauthorised vape industry. Other options, such as using smaller carriers or handling freight directly, tend to be more costly. MOUNTING PRESSURE BAT estimated the unauthorised vape market was worth around 6 billion pounds ($8.05 billion) last year. It is, however, increasingly under pressure. This year's U.S. import tariffs and seizures at ports have reduced unauthorised vape imports. The FDA also wrote letters to 24 U.S.-based middlemen, including distributors that are crucial to the unauthorised vape market, as part of a crackdown in May. This has led to empty shelves in vape stores, said Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association , which represents firms including Demand Vape. USPS revocations will further damage U.S. vape businesses, he said. One of the largest U.S. e-cigarette distributors, Demand Vape sells to some 5,000 retailers in 49 states, according to 2024 filings in a NYC lawsuit against the company. The evidence city attorneys provided to USPS included copies of invoices showing Demand Vape's sales of unauthorised e-cigarettes. Brands the FDA has specifically flagged as illegal to sell were among them, a separate letter reviewed by Reuters showed. ($1 = 0.7452 pounds)
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
US Postal Service blocks shipping of illicit vapes in boost for Big Tobacco
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The US Food and Drug Administration has authorised only 39 e-cigarette products. LONDON - The US Postal Service (USPS) has cracked down on distributors of unregulated vapes using its services for business shipments, letters reviewed by Reuters show, in a blow to a multi-billion dollar industry that has dented Big Tobacco's sales. The letters, previously unreported, show that USPS wrote to major New York-based distributor Demand Vape, blocking it from using its services after New York City's Law Department, which represents the city's government and officials in legal matters, provided evidence that its shipments broke laws. USPS' action stands to benefit tobacco giants including Altria and British American Tobacco (BAT), which have for years battled against unregulated vapes, mostly from China. Unregulated vapes lack the authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is required for them to be legally sold in the United States, the world's largest market for smoking alternatives. USPS revoked Demand Vape's mailing exception in July after it received evidence the company shipped vapes lacking FDA authorisation and that violated a local flavour ban, a letter from USPS to the company, dated July 15, showed. 'Your local Buffalo BME Office will not accept any packages from... Demand Vape that contain ENDS products,' the letter read, referring to electronic nicotine delivery systems, another term for vapes. Demand Vape said it complied with relevant laws and was contesting the revocation, adding the industry operates in a 'regulatory grey zone' with only a small number of FDA-authorised products that do not meet consumer demand. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Keppel to sell M1's telco business to Simba for $1.43b, says deal expected to benefit consumers Business Singtel, StarHub shares fall after announcement of Keppel's M1 sale Opinion Anwar's government: Full house but plenty of empty offices Singapore S'pore Govt asks inactive political parties including Barisan Sosialis for proof of existence Singapore 79 arrested, over 3kg of heroin seized in 5-day drug blitz Singapore Man's claim amid divorce that his mother is true owner of 3 properties cuts no ice with judge Asia Tourist spots in South Korea face complaints over rude service, price gouging during peak season Singapore Healthy lifestyle changes could save Singapore $650 million in healthcare costs by 2050: Study 'We reject any characterisation that paints Demand Vape as anything other than a transparent, lawful and reputable business,' it said in a statement. USPS did not respond to a request for comment. Limited exceptions So far, the US FDA has authorised only 39 e-cigarette products. But unauthorised devices are widely available as authorities struggle to contain them. Under a 2021 law, USPS is restricted from mailing vapes directly to consumers, internationally and in most other circumstances. The limited exceptions include domestic shipments between businesses, which need a 'mailing exception' and their shipments must comply with relevant laws. Some other large carriers, including FedEx, refuse to ship vapes. DHL only offers carriage for business shipments with prior approval. USPS has provided NYC's Law Department with a list of other vape firms it has granted mailing exceptions so it can assess whether they should be challenged, in line with legal requirements, Mr Eric Proshansky, deputy chief of the city's division of affirmative litigation, told Reuters. This could further limit the number of carriers available to the unauthorised vape industry. Other options, such as using smaller carriers or handling freight directly, tend to be more costly. Mounting pressure BAT estimated the unauthorised vape market was worth around £6 billion pounds (S$10 billion) in 2024 . It is, however, increasingly under pressure. US import tariffs and seizures at ports in 2025 have reduced unauthorised vape imports. The FDA also wrote letters to 24 US-based middlemen, including distributors that are crucial to the unauthorised vape market, as part of a crackdown in May. This has led to empty shelves in vape stores, said Mr Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association, which represents firms including Demand Vape. USPS revocations will further damage US vape businesses, he said. One of the largest US e-cigarette distributors, Demand Vape sells to some 5,000 retailers in 49 states, according to 2024 filings in a NYC lawsuit against the company. The evidence city attorneys provided to USPS included copies of invoices showing Demand Vape's sales of unauthorised e-cigarettes. Brands the FDA has specifically flagged as illegal to sell were among them, a separate letter reviewed by Reuters showed. REUTERS
Reuters
13 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: USPS blocks shipping of illicit vapes in boost for Big Tobacco
LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. Postal Service has cracked down on distributors of unregulated vapes using its services for business shipments, letters reviewed by Reuters show, in a blow to a multi-billion dollar industry that has dented Big Tobacco's sales. The letters, previously unreported, show that USPS wrote to major New York-based distributor Demand Vape, blocking it from using its services after New York City's Law Department, which represents the city's government and officials in legal matters, provided evidence that its shipments broke laws. USPS' action stands to benefit tobacco giants including Altria (MO.N), opens new tab and British American Tobacco (BATS.L), opens new tab, which have for years battled against unregulated vapes, mostly from China. Unregulated vapes lack the authorisation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that is required for them to be legally sold in the United States, the world's largest market for smoking alternatives. USPS revoked Demand Vape's mailing exception last month after it received evidence the company shipped vapes lacking FDA authorisation and that violated a local flavour ban, a letter from USPS to the company, dated July 15, showed. "Your local Buffalo BME Office will not accept any packages from... Demand Vape that contain ENDS products," the letter read, referring to electronic nicotine delivery systems, another term for vapes. Demand Vape said it complied with relevant laws and was contesting the revocation, adding the industry operates in a "regulatory grey zone" with only a small number of FDA-authorised products that do not meet consumer demand. "We reject any characterisation that paints Demand Vape as anything other than a transparent, lawful and reputable business," it said in a statement. USPS did not respond to a request for comment. So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorised only 39 e-cigarette products. But unauthorised devices are widely available as authorities struggle to contain them. Under a 2021 law, USPS is restricted from mailing vapes directly to consumers, internationally and in most other circumstances. The limited exceptions include domestic shipments between businesses, which need a "mailing exception" and their shipments must comply with relevant laws. Some other large carriers, including FedEx, refuse to ship vapes. DHL only offers carriage for business shipments with prior approval. USPS has provided NYC's Law Department with a list of other vape firms it has granted mailing exceptions so it can assess whether they should be challenged, in line with legal requirements, Eric Proshansky, deputy chief of the city's division of affirmative litigation, told Reuters. This could further limit the number of carriers available to the unauthorised vape industry. Other options, such as using smaller carriers or handling freight directly, tend to be more costly. BAT estimated the unauthorised vape market was worth around 6 billion pounds ($8.05 billion) last year. It is, however, increasingly under pressure. This year's U.S. import tariffs and seizures at ports have reduced unauthorised vape imports. The FDA also wrote letters to 24 U.S.-based middlemen, including distributors that are crucial to the unauthorised vape market, as part of a crackdown in May. This has led to empty shelves in vape stores, said Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association, which represents firms including Demand Vape. USPS revocations will further damage U.S. vape businesses, he said. One of the largest U.S. e-cigarette distributors, Demand Vape sells to some 5,000 retailers in 49 states, according to 2024 filings in a NYC lawsuit against the company. The evidence city attorneys provided to USPS included copies of invoices showing Demand Vape's sales of unauthorised e-cigarettes. Brands the FDA has specifically flagged as illegal to sell were among them, a separate letter reviewed by Reuters showed. ($1 = 0.7452 pounds)
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
New York sues vape distributors for fueling teen epidemic
By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York sued several large e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors and retailers on Thursday, saying they fueled a youth vaping epidemic by selling products with cartoonish packaging and flavors such as Baja Slushie, Strawberry Cereal Donut Milk and OMG Blow Pop. Letitia James, the state's attorney general, is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in civil fines and damages from 16 corporate and individual defendants for gross negligence and creating a public nuisance by selling fruit- and candy-flavored vapor products to impressionable children. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. James said the defendants did this despite knowing the health risks, and despite a 2020 state law that bans sales of flavored vapor products and requires vape purchasers to be at least 21. She also called the sales illegal under federal law. "The vaping industry is taking a page out of Big Tobacco's playbook: they're making nicotine seem cool, getting kids hooked, and creating a massive public health crisis in the process," James said in a statement. The defendants include Demand Vape, a Buffalo, New York-based distributor of Elf Bar, the most popular e-cigarette among middle and high school students according to last year's National Youth Tobacco Survey. Another defendant is Puff Bar, a Glendale, California-based company whose namesake e-cigarette topped the survey in 2022. Collectively, the defendants "have convinced the public that flavored e-cigarettes are casual fun," according to the complaint filed in Manhattan federal court. Demand Vape and Puff Bar did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Many vaping companies market e-cigarettes to adults as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes have been the most used tobacco product among U.S. children since 2014. According to the 2024 youth tobacco survey, 5.9% of middle and high school students, equal to 1.63 million children, reported using e-cigarettes currently. Nearly nine in 10 users reported using flavored products. In December, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the Food and Drug Administration lawfully blocked two e-cigarette companies from selling flavored vape products with such names as Jimmy The Juice Man Peachy Strawberry and Suicide Bunny Mother's Milk and Cookies. A federal appeals court ruled in January 2024 that the FDA denial had been arbitrary and capricious. Seven other federal appeals courts had sided with the agency in similar cases. Regardless of the outcome, James, a Democrat, may be trying to plug a hole if the FDA pulls back on oversight. Republican President Donald Trump vowed during his 2024 campaign to "save vaping," despite supporting a ban on flavored vaping products during his first White House term.
