Iowa PMTA Registry Bill Passes, Awaits Governor's Decision

The Iowa General Assembly has successfully passed HF 2677, a PMTA registry bill that could potentially ban the sale of most vaping products in the state. The bill, which was approved by the House on April 3 and the Senate on April 19 with a vote of 42-4, now awaits Governor Kim Reynolds’ decision to either sign it into law or veto it.

Big Tobacco’s Influence on the Bill

The Iowa legislation, like other PMTA registry bills, was primarily designed by and benefits Altria Group and R.J. Reynolds, two major tobacco companies that attribute declining cigarette sales to the rise of unauthorized disposable vapes. Currently, only seven vape devices have received FDA authorization, all of which are manufactured by companies owned by Altria (NJOY), Reynolds (Vuse), or Japan Tobacco (Logic).

Implications of the Bill

If Governor Reynolds signs HF 2677 into law, it will:

Establish a directory of legally sellable products in Iowa by Oct. 1, 2024, requiring manufacturers to certify under penalty of perjury that their products meet state requirements
Prohibit the sale of all vaping products, except those on the market by Aug. 8, 2016, subject to a PMTA submitted to the FDA by Sept. 9, 2020, and either FDA-authorized or still under review
Impose a $100 annual fee for each listed product
Implement a system of fines for retail and wholesale violators

The bill would effectively ban the sale of all e-liquids and disposable vapes containing synthetic nicotine and most other vaping products without FDA marketing approval. Unlike similar bills, the Iowa law would not exempt products with marketing denial orders (MDOs) being appealed in federal court.

PMTA Registry Laws Across the U.S.

PMTA registry laws are already in effect in Alabama, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, with Wisconsin’s law set to become effective on July 1, 2025. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin approved a registry law with an amendment postponing enforcement until July 1, 2025, which both houses of the legislature adopted on April 17.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear recently signed PMTA registry laws, both set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. However, the Kentucky law faces a lawsuit from vaping and hemp businesses. Legislators in approximately 20 other states are currently considering similar bills.

As the fate of HF 2677 lies in the hands of Governor Kim Reynolds, the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA) has updated its call to action, urging the governor to veto the bill.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.