Tennessee Vape Shops Confused by New Law’s Rollout

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Tennessee vape shop FDA compliance bill

Vape shop owners in Tennessee are voicing confusion and concern over the phased implementation of a new state law regulating vapor products. The law, which began its rollout on July 1st with a new 10% tax, is intended to ensure only safe, legal products are sold, but retailers argue the process is “backwards” and creates significant challenges for their businesses.

The new regulations are being implemented in three phases. Phase one was the 10% tax. Phase two, beginning August 1st, requires manufacturers to register all vape products they intend to sell in Tennessee with the Department of Revenue. Phase three, starting January 2027, will see the state begin enforcement, banning the sale of any unregistered products. As of this Friday, retailers are also restricted to purchasing vapor products only from licensed distributors.

However, Danny Gillis, President of the Tennessee Smoke Free Association, highlighted a major issue: the rules shops are expected to follow are still being finalized. Bill sponsor State Representative David Hawk stated the goal is to ensure shops sell only products approved by or pending approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But Gillis pointed out that a comprehensive public list of these FDA-approved products doesn’t exist yet, and the tool shops will eventually use to verify legal products won’t be available until next year.

This leaves shops in a difficult position, scrambling to comply with rules for which the necessary verification tools are not yet in place. Gillis also argued the bill is not about curbing youth vaping but is designed to “allow big tobacco to take control of our harm reduction industry.” While Rep. Hawk insists that the 19-month compliance period is “more than ample time,” retailers fear an uneven playing field and significant business disruption.

Matthew Ma
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