Iowa Delays Vape Product Directory, Drops November Enforcement Date

Iowa has postponed publication of its vapor products directory and withdrawn the November 16 enforcement date, leaving manufacturers and retailers awaiting a revised timetable.

The state Department of Revenue said on October 15 that it needed more information from manufacturers to decide which products qualify. Its current notice gives no replacement dates and says the department will announce publication in advance.

Once published, the directory will take effect immediately. The department plans to focus on education for the first 21 business days and begin enforcing directory penalties after that period. Other applicable laws remain in force during the delay.

The listing rules provide two routes: FDA marketing authorization, or a qualifying premarket tobacco product application for a product marketed in the United States by August 8, 2016. For the second route, the application must have been filed by September 9, 2020 and remain under review, or lack an effective final decision.

Manufacturers can continue submitting certification applications through the state portal. The delay changes the implementation timetable; it does not give products FDA authorization or remove other sales restrictions.