FDA Will Set Up 10 Month Deadline For E-Cigarette Applications

A US federal judge on Friday ordered the Food and Drug Administration to impose a 10-month deadline for filing electronic cigarette applications, turning the screw in front of companies like Juul Labs, whose products are highly sought after for their popularity with teenagers.

Last month, the FDA had proposed a shorter deadline after the Maryland Federal Court ruled in a lawsuit by anti-smoking groups that the agency had exceeded its authority by allowing the cigarette to stay on the market until 2022, before companies ask for permission.

"I will impose a ten month deadline for submissions and a one year delay for approval, as suggested by the FDA," wrote US Judge Paul Grimm in an order of the yard Friday.

Prior to last month, the agency had offered electronic cigarette manufacturers to have until August 2021 to submit a formal request to sell their products. But the public health and tobacco control groups at the start of the lawsuit countered that the manufacturers of electronic cigarettes and cigars were submitting their applications within 120 days.

"Today 's decision is an important step forward for public health and confirms the FDA' s commitment to speed up the review of these products, especially those that are the most appealing to young people, "said FDA Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless.

Juul said in a statement that he was closely evaluating the court's decision, adding that she was fully engaged in the FDA application process.