VTA Insider October 2026: VTA is Leading the Fight – Find Out What We’re Doing
Published on October 9, 2026
Welcome back to VTA Insider – your trusted source for the latest developments shaping the vapor and nicotine industries.
From in-the-room insights in Washington, D.C. to real-time updates from the front lines in state legislatures, VTA Insider keeps you informed on the policies, threats, and victories that directly impact your business and consumers.
A Message From VTA’s Executive Director
VTA is leading the fight to defend the flavored nicotine vaping industry at the state and federal levels.
The future of this industry is being shaped right now. Join VTA and help ensure independent businesses and adult consumers have a voice in that process. Join us today
VTA in the White House
The Big Picture. Because of the relationships we’ve built over the last couple of years and our high-impact engagement at the 2026 Midterm RNC convention, VTA’s team met with the President’s senior leadership team at the White House to discuss repealing and replacing the PMTA regulation.
What We’re Saying. We discussed the industry’s huge economic impact on the U.S., the need to unlock American investment through predictable scientific guideposts, and the harm-reduction benefits to public health of less harmful nicotine alternatives to cigarettes.
What We Learned. The White House is pushing for a resolution, and discussions are happening at the highest levels within the Administration. This conversation confirms that VTA is a trusted source of information and that our input is heavily considered throughout the policy development process.
High Profile Messaging. VTA coordinated a high-profile, high-impact digital advertising campaign to ensure that RNC attendees were inundated with our messaging. This effort included mobile billboards roving all of the convention sites, digital takeovers across key news outlets, Truth Social, and X, and other display ads.
The Big Picture. VTA launched a 7-figure cable, broadcast, and digital campaign urging President Trump and Secretary Kennedy to act now to save flavored vaping. We are sending a clear and direct message: the entire industry is calling for change, and the time to act is now.
The FDA’s Big Announcement
What Happened. On Monday, September 28, the FDA announced that it intends to evaluate changes to the PMTA process.
What They’re Saying: In the press release published on the potential changes, the agency stated:
- “FDA intends to evaluate changes to the PMTA regulatory framework, including through initiation of new rulemaking to replace the current framework,” and
- “FDA believes a modern framework that reflects current market realities and provides greater clarity and predictability is critical to maximizing the protection of public health.”
What It Means. This approach aligns with what VTA has called for for years: ensuring that the broken regulatory system is fixed to ensure Americans have access to regulated vaping products that they need and want. We’ll provide updates on the FDA’s changes once they’re official.
State of the States
What We’re Doing. Across the country, the independent vaping industry’s only national coordinated state lobbying strategy is in full force.
California: California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 762, creating new restrictions on disposable, battery-embedded vapes.
Key upcoming dates:
- On January 1, 2027, importing or manufacturing these products will be prohibited.
- On January 1, 2028, the law will ban their sale and distribution.
VTA is assessing the potential impact on manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Iowa: Iowa’s Department of Revenue is moving forward with implementing the state’s Vapor Products Directory. The first directory is expected to be published on October 15, at which time only products listed may be sold or offered for sale in Iowa.
Key upcoming dates:
- Certification applications are now open through GovConnectIowa.
- On November 16, Penalty enforcement is expected to begin. The department plans to focus on education for the first 21 days.
VTA will continue monitoring the rollout and additional guidance from the Department.
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania’s ENDS Directory remains a priority as the commonwealth moves toward enforcement. HB 1425 established the statewide directory and requires manufacturers to certify covered products to the Attorney General for inclusion. VTA is also monitoring HB 1434, which would increase the penalties for the sale of tobacco products to minors. It was re-referred to the Appropriations Committee on September 30, but because of limited remaining legislative time, we believe it is unlikely to move through the Senate.
VTA will continue to monitor both the legislation and the implementation of the ENDS directory.
Key Upcoming Dates:
- On October 19, ENS products that are not listed on the directory will be subject to seizure.
Virginia: VTA continues to engage directly with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office as the state works through implementation of its vapor products directory. VTA State Affairs Lead Jake Butcher met with AG Jay Jones and is continuing conversations with his office.
VTA is working collaboratively to provide industry perspective, discuss implementation, and maintain an open line of communication.
Protect Your House: To learn more about what we’re doing to protect your state, become a member of VTA today!
Join VTA Today and Stand with Us in this Fight
VTA is your voice in Washington and at the state level, where Big Tobacco continues to spend millions of dollars to pressure regulators into giving them what they want while sidelining the independent vapor industry. Our advocacy matters now more than ever. We have an opportunity to create real reform, but only if we speak with one voice.
Our work building relationships within the Trump administration has ensured we are viewed as the best-positioned ally to help them solve the regulatory challenges that have long plagued this industry. This level of impact only happens when our industry supports our mission.
VTA is fighting every day to protect flavored vaping products, defend harm reduction, and ensure a predictable future for our American independent vaping businesses.
But we can’t do it alone. Become a member AND a champion in the fight to save flavored vapes!
Stay tuned. Stay tuned in with us for lots of new developments, and make sure your friends and colleagues are signed up here to receive our news and information.
Got questions? If you have any questions about the issues we have covered, have suggestions for content, or how you can support our efforts, please feel free to contact us at info@vaportechnology.org.
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