Iowa has put new vaping restrictions on hold after a lawsuit was filed by a group of retailers, distributors, and e-cigarette manufacturers who claim the law is unconstitutional. House File 2677, which was passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds last spring, would require e-cigarette products to have marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold in the state.
The new law aims to create a registry of approved vaping products that have been vetted by the FDA. Under the law, retailers would only be allowed to sell products listed on the state-approved registry, which would be limited to those the FDA has approved for sale, those whose application is pending review by the FDA, or those whose denial is being appealed.
Lawsuit Alleges Violations of U.S. and Iowa Constitutions
The group suing to block enforcement of the law claims that the regulations violate clauses in both the U.S. and Iowa constitutions. They argue that the law would severely restrict vape sales in the state, benefiting Big Tobacco companies.
In response to the lawsuit, state officials have agreed to postpone enforcement of the new law until a judge rules on an injunction request by the plaintiffs. The Iowa Department of Revenue announced that the enforcement and publication of the state’s vapor products directory would be delayed until further notice.
Vaping Industry Faces Ongoing Regulatory Challenges
The lawsuit in Iowa highlights the ongoing regulatory challenges faced by the vaping industry across the United States. As federal and state governments seek to address concerns about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, particularly among youth, businesses in the sector are pushing back against what they see as overly restrictive regulations.
The outcome of the Iowa lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of vaping regulations in the state and potentially set a precedent for similar legal challenges in other jurisdictions. As the legal battle unfolds, the vaping industry and public health advocates alike will be closely watching to see how the court rules on this contentious issue.
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- Iowa Vaping Restrictions Postponed Following Lawsuit - January 2, 2025