According to the US news media KCCI reported on April 23, after the Iowa legislature passed, a bill aimed at strengthening the regulation of the sale of electronic cigarette products is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Kim Reynolds. The bill, called House Document 2677, would require retailers to sell only e-cigarette products listed in a state-approved registry system, aiming to remove untested and potentially dangerous products from the market.
The bill was approved by the state legislature, reflecting the government’s intention to strengthen regulation of the electronic cigarette industry.
State Senator Chris Cournoyer stressed that the lack of proper regulation of e-cigarette products currently circulating in the market poses a risk to the health of consumers. “This bill will not only clean up the market, it will also provide tools for law enforcement to ensure that retailers only sell what is allowed,” Cournoye said.
However, the bill has also sparked widespread concern and controversy within the industry. Ashley Hartman of Global Source Distribution expressed concern about the bill, noting that it would make more than 99 percent of the company’s products illegal, severely affecting the company’s operations. Hartman argues that such an approach would discourage product innovation and limit consumer choice.
“Let’s say someone comes in, and they’re a pack-a-day smoker, and they’re smoking Marlboro Red. The amount of nicotine they need is very different from the amount of nicotine that Tammarlboro users need, “Hartman said.
If Governor Reynolds signs the bill within 30 days of the end of the legislative session, by mid-May, the law will go into effect on July 1. This change is expected to have a profound impact on the e-cigarette market and related businesses in Iowa.