New Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (Sfata) Advocates For E-Cig Self-Regulation

[SFATANews]

The recently chartered Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) is actively it looking to introduce its program and attract new members.

SFATA is the only association in the smoke free alternatives industry that represents a wide cross section of all segments including distributors, manufacturers, retailers, and end users in order to address a wide variety of consumer matters including tobacco regulation and its possible extension to vaporizing devices. SFATA argues that e-cigs are vaporizing devices that do not possess the same chemical and physical characteristics as tobacco products and therefore should not be deemed as “tobacco products" and regulated as such. Rules and regulations applied to "tobacco products" would be inappropriate for vaporizing devices as the two are distinctly different on many levels including inhalation and filtering processes, chemical compound development, and toxicity.

Association goals aim to streamline processes, impact free and fair trade through self- regulation, and alleviate misinformation by providing cohesive industry support for consumer affairs.

SFATA self regulatory goals are set to: 1) provide the tools necessary for regulators, industry specialists, and consumers to make informed decisions; 2) increase interest, education, and advocacy for proposed and new legislation and Federal Drug Administrations (FDA) regulation; and 3) improve testing, promote uniform manufacturing procedures, and established guidelines for the future of the industry.

As the smoke free alternatives industry continues to grow exponentially, estimated at over 1 billion in sales this year alone, pressure from special interests groups have presented new challenges and the FDA’s attempts to stay abreast of the emerging market and its affect on consumer interests have become confused and disjointed. Questions remain regarding what information is available, from and to whom, how data and research are being gathered, digested, and disseminated and what standards fit the bill. SFATA is the only advocacy group that provides the necessary industry expertise to determine appropriate consumer protective measures that satisfy both consumer and industry interests. SFATA services, independent research, data, quality control measures and GMP’s are available to members while grass roots resources and information are available to the public free of charge.

Founded in March, SFATA has raised substantial funds and has outlined an extensive and aggressive recruitment program. Programs are to be instituted and followed by all members and include stringent standards, best practices, responsible sales and quality control. These are demonstrated on all levels including basic membership requirements that address consumer concerns. Member products do not exceed 2.4% nicotine content; provide childproof caps and shrink-banding for e-liquid products; list accurate and current product labeling; add nicotine warnings on all packaging and on website; note California Prop 65 warning on websites and labels; put lot or batch codes on liquids and cartridges; list expiration dates on e-liquids and cartridges; list nicotine content by percentage; note proper classification of imports for U.S. Customs; are not marketed to children; make no health claims; and do not promote first time buyer auto-ship program. For more information on SFATA, please contact 218-22SFATA or info@sfata.org.