FDA Approval of Five Juul Products Sparks Controversy: Industry Calls It “Support for Quitting,” Critics Say It “Endangers Youth”

Jul.23.2025
FDA Approval of Five Juul Products Sparks Controversy: Industry Calls It “Support for Quitting,” Critics Say It “Endangers Youth”
The U.S. FDA approved five Juul e-cigarette products, triggering controversy. Industry groups welcomed the move as a long-overdue step to support adult smokers switching from cigarettes, while tobacco control advocates condemned it as a setback for youth protection. Juul remains one of the most popular brands among teens.

Key points:

 

·FDA approves Juul products: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved market authorization orders (MGOs) for five Juul e-cigarette products. 

 

·Juul stated that over 2 million Americans have completely quit combustible tobacco products by using their products, with the company aiming to make cigarettes a thing of the past. 

 

·Support and criticism: 

 

1.The Vapor Technology Association's executive director, Tony Abboud, believes that FDA's approval is a step in the right direction to help adults quit smoking, but that a single authorization is not enough to reduce the harm caused by cigarettes. 

 

2.Yolanda Richardson, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, criticized the FDA's decision as a "major setback" in preventing youth from using e-cigarettes, pointing out that Juul products remain popular among teenagers. 

 

·Industry impacts: 

 

1.Risk for the independent e-cigarette industry: Abboud stated that FDA authorization has allowed Customs and Border Protection to seize products under illegal regulations, threatening thousands of small American businesses and limiting adult Americans' access to their favorite products. 

 

2.Convenience store industry calls for action: The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and other related associations are urging the federal government to crack down on illegal e-cigarette products from China being sold in the market, as the convenience store industry is losing sales share "systematically." 

 

·FDA authorization status: To date, FDA has authorized 39 e-cigarette products, which are currently the only e-cigarette products legally allowed to be sold in the U.S.

 


【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report from CSP on July 22, the US FDA has approved market authorization orders (MGO) for five Juul products. The e-cigarette manufacturer has stated that over 2 million Americans have completely quit combustible tobacco products by using Juul. The Washington-based company has expressed its goal of making cigarettes obsolete.

 

“For us, this mission is non-negotiable: we are the only company in the US market with a product market authorization and do not sell cigarettes.”

 

Juul stated in a press release.

 

Supporters of the organization's latest decision include Tony Abboud, the executive director of the Vapor Technology Association in the United States, who believes that more authorization is still needed.

 

“The American E-Cigarette Technology Association acknowledges that the FDA approval of Juul Labs' e-cigarette products for sale in the United States is a long-awaited step that reaffirms the role of e-cigarettes in helping adults quit smoking. However, this one-time authorization is far from sufficient to reduce the harm caused by traditional cigarettes.”

 

Abdul expressed in a statement.

 

He also stated that the independent e-cigarette industry in the United States faces the risk of being shut down.

 

“The FDA has authorized Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to seize products at the border in accordance with an illegal regulation. These seizures threaten tens of thousands of American small businesses and restrict access for adult Americans to their favorite products, which hold more than 70% of the market share.”

 

He said.

 

The authorization was made after years of FDA review, but has been questioned by some, including Yolanda Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. She believes the decision is a "significant setback" in preventing youth from using e-cigarettes.

 

“This is why Juul had to pay over $11 billion to settle lawsuits brought by states and other parties. Despite a recent decrease in the proportion of teenagers using e-cigarettes, Juul products remain popular among youth. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, Juul is still one of the top five most popular e-cigarette brands among American teenagers, including 12.6% of current middle and high school e-cigarette users. Juul is the third most popular e-cigarette brand among middle school e-cigarette users.”

 

Richard said in a statement.

 

On July 18, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) along with four associations related to the convenience store and travel center industry urged the federal government to crack down on the sale of illegal e-cigarette products from China in the market.

 

In a letter dated July 18, these organizations stated that the convenience store industry is "systematically" losing market share due to some companies selling illegal products.

 

Up to now, the FDA has authorized 39 e-cigarette products. These are currently the only e-cigarette products that can be legally sold in the US market.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
The Scottish Government plans to remove business rates relief from vape shops from April 1, 2027, saying the measure is intended to ensure vape retailers contribute to the high street and align rates relief with public health commitments, while the impact on convenience stores that sell vaping products remains unclear.
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | JT Upgrades with2 Infused Tobacco Capsules With Double-Size BIG PACK
Product | JT Upgrades with2 Infused Tobacco Capsules With Double-Size BIG PACK
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) announced that it will introduce a BIG PACK version of all five tobacco capsule variants designed for its with2 infused tobacco system. Scheduled for release in Japan on August 4, 2026, the refreshed packaging doubles the contents from five capsules and one cartridge to ten capsules and two cartridges while maintaining the same flavors and formulations
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | JT Launches Ploom AURA Glacier White in Japan, Expanding the Device Ecosystem Through Color and Accessories
Product | JT Launches Ploom AURA Glacier White in Japan, Expanding the Device Ecosystem Through Color and Accessories
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has introduced the Ploom AURA Glacier White heated tobacco device in Japan, adding a new color option to the existing Ploom AURA lineup. The device maintains the existing SMART HEATFLOW technology and HEAT SELECT SYSTEM with four heating modes, while expanding the ecosystem through new accessories including front panels, back covers, a car holder and wireless charging covers. The product entered pre-sale in Japan on June 30, 2026, followed by broader retail availability from July 7.
Aug.03
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
British American Tobacco’s (BAT) nicotine pouch brand Velo has released a global consumer study and launched its “Echoes of Tomorrowland” campaign with electronic music festival brand Tomorrowland. The research surveyed 2,009 nicotine users across the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Poland and Austria. Velo said 61% of respondents feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they see others doing the same, while 39% said building meaningful connections becomes harder with age. The campaign reflects how nicotine pouch brands are increasingly using music, communities and lifestyle marketing to build consumer engagement.
Aug.10
Germany Expands Take-Back Rules for Disposable Vapes From July 1
Germany Expands Take-Back Rules for Disposable Vapes From July 1
Germany has expanded take-back obligations for disposable vapes from July 1, 2026, requiring consumers to be able to return used devices at stores that sell such products, including kiosks, petrol stations and vape shops, as e-cigarette regulation extends from sales to waste management and lithium-battery safety.
Market
Jul.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives
BAT Expands ITC Infotech Partnership Across Poland, Romania and India to Advance AI
BAT Expands ITC Infotech Partnership Across Poland, Romania and India to Advance AI
ITC Infotech has expanded its multi-year strategic technology partnership with British American Tobacco (BAT), providing technology services across Poland, Romania and India while continuing to support BAT's newly launched Future Capabilities Centre in India and existing technology hubs in Malaysia and Mexico. The companies said the agreement will focus on AI-enabled innovation, technology capability building and greater operational efficiency. The partnership also aligns with BAT's broader Fit2Win transformation programme, under which the group is expanding the use of external technology and business-services partners to simplify its global operating model.
Aug.13