New FDA Regulations Drive Decline In E-Cigarette Sales

Sales of electronic cigarettes continue to slump, with new FDA restrictions playing a role in the decline.

A Nielson report released on Tuesday shows that overall sales of e-cigarette products dropped over 14 percent for the four-week period ending February 22. That's based on figures compared to the same period one year ago.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports that federal regulatory changes continue to have an effect on the industry, notably rules affecting closed-pod cartridges.

The Food and Drug Administration placed new restrictions on “unauthorized flavorings” being used in cartridge-based e-cigarettes, effective February 6.  New rules regarding nicotine liquids are also shaking things up for manufacturers.

And the FDA raised the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 last December.

The report shows that Vuse, which is manufactured by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, has maintained its No. 2 market share, behind industry leader Juul.