Arkansas establishes new regulations for vapor product and e-liquid manufacturers

Arkansas lawmakers are taking a bold step to regulate the vapor product industry with the introduction of Senate Bill 252, aimed at tightening the reins on e-liquids and vaping products sold in the state. Set to take effect on September 1, 2025, the bill mandates that manufacturers must certify their products' compliance with federal regulations before they can be sold in Arkansas.

At the heart of SB252 is a requirement for manufacturers to prove that their vapor products were on the market as of August 8, 2016, and that they have applied for a marketing order from the FDA. This move is designed to ensure that only products that meet safety and regulatory standards are available to consumers, addressing growing concerns about the health impacts of vaping.

The bill outlines a clear process for compliance: manufacturers must respond to notices from the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board within 15 days or risk being removed from the state’s directory of approved products. This provision aims to streamline enforcement and hold manufacturers accountable for their products.

However, the bill has sparked debates among lawmakers and industry stakeholders. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to protect public health, especially among youth, while opponents claim it could stifle innovation and drive some manufacturers out of the market. The potential economic implications are significant, as Arkansas seeks to balance public health interests with the economic realities of the vaping industry.

Experts suggest that if passed, SB252 could set a precedent for other states considering similar regulations, potentially reshaping the landscape of the vaping market nationwide. As the bill moves through the legislative process, its fate remains uncertain, but its implications for public health and the vaping industry are already making waves.