New e-cigarette regulations take effect Monday

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - The average vaper user should notice little change after new federal e-cigarette regulations took affect Monday.

However, some local vape shop owners say the new rules could dramatically shape the vaping industry in the near future.

Under new regulations, the Food and Drug Administration will now approve all e-cigarette products, including units and liquid.

For products that have been on the market since 2007, the new law is allowing up to a three year window for approval.

But Taylor Moore, district manager for Soo Vape Vapor Shops of SEMO, says the new requirements are unfair.

He says the cost of the approval process, which could be in the millions of dollars per product, will force many vape shops, who make their own juice, to close.

"That's each nicotine level of each juice is considered an item," Moore said.

"None of us here are against regulation. None of us here are against a high product standard and health and safety in general. It's just hard to see something so good taken in such the wrong way."

It's estimated there are 12,000 vapor stores in the U.S.

Moore says thousands of jobs could be lost.

"At that time the best thing we can do is organize and make our voices heard."

In the meantime, Moore says the average vaper can continue business as usual.

"As far as the consumer being affected, it's not going anywhere. We a guaranteed two years if nothing else."

The new regulations also prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18. Many states, like Missouri and Illinois, already had similar laws in place.

So far world health experts are split on the impact of e-cigarettes.

Some are concerned how little is known about potential health risks.

Others say it's a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes.

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