FDA Extends Deeming Regulations Comment Period

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) extended the period to submit electronic or written comments regarding its deeming regulations by 30 days. Public submissions will now be accepted until Aug. 8.

The FDA released the proposed deeming regulations on April 24. The agency is seeking to regulate electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, nicotine gels, water pipe (or hookah) tobacco, and certain dissolvables not already under its authority.  

The agency already has the authority to regulate tobacco products under the Family Smoking and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, but the FDA must issue deeming regulations to extend its authority to cover additional tobacco products.

The proposed deeming regulations call for minimum age and identification restrictions to prevent the sale of such products to underage youth; requirements to include health warnings; and prohibition of vending machine sales unless in a facility that never allows minors, such as bars and nightclubs.

The open public comment period regarding deeming regulations was initially set to expire July 9.

On Friday, as CSNews Online reported, the FDA hosted a webinar to provide tips on how to make the best arguments when filing public comments. According to Dr. Allison Hoffman, associate director of the FDA's Office of Science, CTP, those submitting comments should make it clear whether they are for or against a particular proposal, and back up the claim with evidence.

To submit a comment electronically, visit www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions.