The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) launched a targeted digital ad campaign pressing President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to overhaul federal vapor rules and restrict illicit Chinese products from the domestic market.
Timed two days before Trump’s White House meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the 30-second ad urges the administration: “The time to save flavored vaping is now,” and “Keep Chinese vapes away from our kids.”
Pushing to Replace the FDA PMTA Pathway
The Washington-based trade organization contends that the Food and Drug Administration’s Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) system is broken. VTA argues that the “vagueness and dysfunction” of the PMTA process enables noncompliant foreign manufacturers to exploit regulatory loopholes.
According to survey data cited by the association, 71% of all voters and 72% of Trump voters support replacing current FDA rules with science-based guidelines. The group asserts this policy change would secure the domestic supply chain and unlock billions in private investment.
VTA Executive Director Tony Abboud recently built support among Republican leaders at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, meeting with Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler and Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH).
However, the campaign faces questions regarding industry ties. Media reports previously revealed that multiple Chinese hardware manufacturers hold high-tier memberships in the VTA, reflecting complex international supply dynamics behind the domestic lobbying effort.
- Trump Urged to Ban Chinese Vapes and Reform FDA Rules - September 27, 2026
- US FDA Prepares Faster Approvals for Vapes and Nicotine Pouches - September 24, 2026
- Alabama Bans Vaping in Public Places and Schools Starting Oct. 1 - September 24, 2026