As technology develops, new, more innovative, ways of delivering nicotine to users in ways that are intended to be safer than combustible cigarettes continue to join the market. In this article, we explore some of the latest innovative nicotine delivery systems, their regulatory implications and the impact they are likely to have on the tobacco industry.

In July of this year, the FDA authorised the IQOS tobacco heating system as modified risk tobacco heating products (MRHPs). IQOS is the second set of products to be authorised as MRHPs and is the first ever set of exposure modification orders which allow the product to be marketed to customers in the USA as “ containing a reduced level of or presenting a reduced exposure to a substance or as being free of a substance when the issuance of the order is expected to benefit the health of the population ”.

Following this, it is expected that more manufacturers will produce heated tobacco products with the intention of marketing them as a safer alternative to smoking.

While regulation is still in its early stages, our CEO, David Lawson, was recently involved in the creation of PAS 8850:2020 , a specification which sets baseline standards for the “tobacco, additives, and materials used in the manufacture” of heated tobacco products.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is often confused with e-cigarettes, but e-cigarettes are not considered to be NRT as they are not seen to help people quit smoking and are not generally recommended by doctors. NRT often comes in the form of patches, gum, medication, inhalers and nasal sprays.

NRT works by supplying a small amount of nicotine to help ease the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

NRT products are classified as medicinal products and can only be placed on the UK market when they are granted authorisation from the licensing authority or European Commission, in accordance with The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1916).

The goal for oral nicotine is to provide consumers with a safer way to consume the product. The use of oral tobacco has long been established and prohibited in much of Europe (SNUS), however a novel form of tobacco-free pouches have recently gained popularity and it is likely that this is an area of the alternative nicotine market which is likely to continue to grow.

As oral nicotine is a fairly new product, the regulations aren’t fully clear yet, however it is thought that they will align with the rules and regulations for similar new products such as e-cigarettes and CBD products.

In summary, technology is constantly evolving and as it does, more opportunities for safer alternatives to smoking and nicotine delivery are developed.

At Inter Scientific, we pride ourselves on staying up to date on new regulations and directives, so we can help our clients to sell their products safely and legally. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your regulatory needs.

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