2003:
The e-cigarette was first developed in Beijing, China by Hon Lik, 52, a pharmacist, inventor and smoker. He invented the device after his father, also a heavy smoker, died of lung cancer. The company that worked for Lik, Golden Dragon Holdings, developed the device and renamed it Ruyan, which means “like smoke.”
April 2006:
Electronic cigarettes are imported into Europe.
2006–2007:
Electronic cigarettes appear in America.
March 2008:
Turkey’s Ministry of Health has banned the sale and import of e-cigarettes. Health Minister and Director General of Pharmaceutical Affairs Mahmut Tokaç has declared that e-cigarettes are as harmful as traditional cigarettes. The Vice President of the Anti-Smoking Foundation in Turkey, Kıyas gungor, has stated that “ nicotine is the most dangerous element among the 4,800 toxic chemicals in cigarettes.”
September 2008:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it does not recognise e-cigarettes as a legitimate way to quit smoking and is asking marketers to immediately remove from their materials any references to the WHO's view that e-cigarettes are safe and effective.
October 2008:
In a study funded by Ruyan, Health New Zealand conducted a detailed quantitative analysis and concluded: carcinogens and toxicants in e-cigarettes are just below dangerous levels. Based on the studies, e-cigarettes were assessed as being less dangerous than smoking conventional cigarettes. The amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes is equivalent to a nicotine cartridge. Overall, the products tested were considered “a safe alternative to smoking”.
January 2009:
Australia bans the possession and sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine, stating: “all nicotine products other than alternative therapies and classified tobacco are considered a poison.”
Jordan's Ministry of Health banned the import of e-cigarettes, citing health concerns following a decision by the World Health Organization. In February 2012, following the ban, Malek Habashneh, director of the Ministry of Communications, stated that “E-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals that cause more health problems than the nicotine in regular cigarettes.”
March 2009:
The FDA places E-Cigarettes on Import Alert 66-41 and directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refuse entry of E-Cigarettes into the United States.
Canada bans the sale, advertising, and importation of e-cigarettes. Health Canada advises Canadians not to buy or use them, stating that they contain a “stimulant” ( propylene glycol ).
The Hong Kong Department of Health has banned e-cigarettes. The maximum penalty for possessing or selling e-cigarettes is a HK$100,000 fine and two years in prison. Since smokeless tobacco is banned in Hong Kong, the ban on e-cigarettes continues to be imposed, making them as dangerous as conventional tobacco products.
The FDA notified the e-cigarette company “Smoking Everywhere” that its shipment was refused entry into the United States. The FDA said that the e-cigarette “appears to be a drug and device combination product” that requires pre-approval, registration, and listing with the FDA.
April 2009:
“Smoking Everywhere” filed a federal complaint challenging the FDA’s ban on the importation of e-cigarettes. “Smoking Everywhere” argues that the FDA has no jurisdiction over e-cigarettes because they are a “tobacco product,” and that the FDA’s effort is to address Congress to give the FDA jurisdiction over tobacco products. They argue that e-cigarettes are not “drugs,” “drug delivery systems,” or “drug device combinations” under 21 USC 321(g).
May 2009:
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is gathering petitions to the FDA, calling on the FDA to make a decision on E-Cigarettes.
NJOY (Sottera) along with Smoking Everywhere sue FDA.
The Electronic Cigarette Association (ECA) is formed. The ECA (now defunct) was a trade association of e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors, and retailers; its purpose was to speak out on behalf of the e-cigarette industry, especially in response to health concerns. They were headquartered in Washington, DC, and their president and spokesman was former U.S. Congressman Matt Salmon.
The FDA tested two brands of e-cigarettes, NJOY & Smoking Everywhere, and 18 cartridges were tested. Tests showed trace amounts of tobacco nitrosamines (TSNAs) in the e-liquid at levels consistent with those found in FDA-approved smoking cessation products. The e-liquid in the cartridges was found to contain a non-toxic amount (approximately 1%) of diethylene glycol. TSNAs and diethylene glycol have been detected in e-cigarettes. Some e-liquid cartridges labeled as 0mg nicotine are understood to contain trace amounts of nicotine.
June 2009:
President Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, Act 18, which gives the FDA the authority to regulate the tobacco industry. However, nicotine and tobacco cannot be completely banned. Additionally, new tobacco products entering the market will have to meet FDA standards before they can be marketed, which could affect the regulation of e-cigarettes.
Panama bans the import, distribution and sale of e-cigarettes.
July 2009:
The FDA briefly added information in the Smoking Everywhere lawsuit and referenced the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The FDA maintained that it still had jurisdiction over e-cigarettes and that it had decided to call e-cigarettes a drug-device combination. “The FDA stated that, after reviewing the products, the requirements for labeling and product information for SE products would be submitted to the FDA.”
After two months of testing, the FDA issued a press release encouraging the use of e-cigarettes and repeating previous concerns that e-cigarettes may be marketed to young people, lack appropriate health warnings, and contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze. The FDA did not disclose that the carcinogens found were similar to those found in FDA-approved nicotine products, nor that the amounts of diethylene glycol found would be non-toxic. The FDA also did not disclose the chemicals found in the actual vapor to which users were exposed.
The May 2009 FDA study is being reviewed by Exponent Scientific Consulting, Inc., in a report by NJOY. Among the criticisms of the FDA studies, as outlined in the Exponent report, is the underestimation of the literature and the performance of comparative analysis relevant to the FDA's approval of a nicotine replacement therapy product, which Exponent claims contains comparable levels of TSNAs to e-cigarettes. The study concluded that the FDA's medical harm claims were not supported.
Israel's Ministry of Health bans the import and sale of e-cigarettes.
August 2009:
In a Washington Times article, Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, president of the American Council on Science and Health, called the press coverage of the FDA's decision on e-cigarettes “unclear, incomplete, and misleading,” adding that “untested novel alternatives to tobacco products — better to stick with reality.”
The State of Oregon entered into two settlements that prevent two national travel chains, pilot travel centers, and executive technical assistance centers from selling NJOY e-cigarettes. Additionally, the company must provide notice that it intends to sell e-cigarettes in Oregon, provide copies of all e-cigarette advertisements, and provide copies of the scientific studies it maintains. NJOY voluntarily ceased all sales in Oregon.
Oregon State Attorney John Kroger is investigating a lawsuit against Smoking Everywhere, alleging that Florida e-cigarette companies made shoddy nicotine-loading devices and targeted children with sweet flavors. Smoking Everywhere declined to settle.
Brazil bans the sale, import, and advertising of electronic cigarettes.
Suffolk County, NY has enacted laws banning the use of e-cigarettes indoors, including in smoking areas, and prohibiting sales to minors.
Saudi Arabia banned the sale of e-cigarettes based on a statement from the US Food and Drug Administration that said e-cigarettes “contain carcinogenic and toxic substances, particularly diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical used in antifreeze.”
September 2009:
California has passed legislation banning the sale of e-cigarettes in the state. Governor Schwarzenegger, addressing the bills, said: “If adults choose to purchase and consume these products without understanding the health risks involved, they will be free to do so unless and until Federal law changes the legal status of tobacco products.”
October 2009:
The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA) was formed. This association was formed by consumers and retailers, with the mission to ensure the availability of effective, affordable, and harmful alternatives to smoking by raising public awareness and education; encouraging product testing and development to achieve acceptable safety standards and reasonable regulation; and promoting the benefits of harmful alternatives. CASAA is first and foremost a consumer organization, based on the number of providers elected to the board and a limit on board members to give consumers the majority decision.
ASH UK recognises that existing products must deliver nicotine safely, without the harmful ingredients found in cigarettes, but for those trying to quit should use conventional NRTs.
Amazon.com bans the sale of e-cigarette products on its website.
PayPal has suspended the account of a US-based e-cigarette vendor and banned them from using its service. However, vendors outside the US are allowed to continue using PayPal to sell e-cigarettes.
December 2009:
New Jersey State Law Passes a Law Banning E-Cigarettes in Public Places.
NJOY announced the cessation of operations in the United States, along with the popularity of all flavors, especially traditional tobacco and menthol flavors. The combination of flavors offered by NJOY is authorized through the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act.
January 2010:
Judge Leon issues search warrants for Smoking Everywhere/Sottera and prohibits FDA from seizing e-cigarettes.
March 2010:
The American College of Physicians Public Health made two requests to the FDA, one requesting that E-Cigarettes be reclassified and the other requesting that a press conference be held in place of the July 2009 press conference.
VapefestTM was held for the first time in Richmond, VA
The Ministry of Health has banned the import and sale of e-cigarettes in Thailand. It warns, "E-cigarettes contain more nicotine than regular products."
April 2010:
The Washington Foundation makes legal decisions that are contrary to the FDA.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association (AHA), American Cancer Society (ALA), American Legacy Foundation, American Medical Association (AMA), and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids are asked to join in support of the FDA.
CASAA helped Midwest Vapers convince Illinois lawmakers to reject SB3174, a law that would have prevented convenience stores, tobacco shops, and mall kiosks from selling e-cigarettes.
June 2010:
The American Medical Association (AMA), House of Delegates (HOD) created a policy calling on the FDA to regulate e-cigarettes as drug delivery devices.
July 2010:
Singapore bans the import, distribution and sale of e-cigarettes. The US increases the fine to $5,000.
The Marine Corps Base at Quantico bans the use of e-cigarettes on its premises.
August 2010:
Oregon attorney John Kroger has filed a settlement blocking two national travel chains from selling e-cigarettes.
The Air Force Surgeon General's Office classifies e-cigarettes as "tobacco products" and prohibits their use on most Air Force bases.
September 2010:
The debate between the US Court of Appeals in SE vs FDA.
October 2010:
VapeFestTM is held in the UK.
December 2010:
The US Court of Appeals in Washington has ruled that the FDA can only regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products unless a therapeutic claim is made.
February 2011:
Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that e-cigarettes are a promising tool to help smokers quit, producing better abstinence rates after six months than traditional nicotine replacement products.
The US Department of Transportation says the use of e-cigarettes on airplanes is prohibited and announced its intention to issue a formal ban.
April 2011:
The FDA has announced that it will regulate e-cigarettes as traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products under the Food Drug and Cosmetics Act. However, any advertising that claims e-cigarette products help users reduce smoking or provide any other health benefits will be challenged and regulated more closely as drugs or medical devices.
The Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association (TVECA) was formed. TVECA is an association of private companies in the region involved in e-cigarette technologies.
May 2011:
Argentina passed law 3226/2011 banning the import, distribution, trade and advertising of electronic cigarettes and their related paraphernalia.
June 2011:
Venezuelan government ban on the use and marketing of e-cigarettes.
VapestockTM held in Clearwater Beach, FL.
August 2011:
Research published in the journal Addiction provides strong evidence that e-cigarettes are being used successfully by many smokers to quit or significantly cut back on the number of cigarettes they consume, and that e-cigarettes are being used successfully by many smokers who still quit traditional cigarettes.
September 2011:
Obama proposed banning the use of e-cigarettes on flights, saying “the new rule will increase passenger comfort and reduce confusion.” The Department of Transportation said that while it considers e-cigarettes covered by current law and prohibits vaping on planes, it plans to implement a specific ban by the summer of 2012.
October 2011:
The British Cabinet Office's Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) strongly advocates tobacco harm reduction in their annual report. E-cigarettes are cited as a potentially effective alternative because of their safety attributes.
VaperConTM is held in Richmond, VA.
The first clinical trial results of e-cigarettes, reported in the journal BMC Public Health, suggest they may be more effective than traditional NRT products for quitting smoking and may be particularly effective in smokers who lack motivation to quit.
December 2011:
The Dutch Minister of Health announced that the sale and import of e-cigarettes is banned.
The health minister of North Rhine-Westphalia announced that the state government has determined that e-cigarettes fall under the Medicines and Medical Products Act. She said that the state government is planning to introduce a ban on the sale of their e-cigarettes unless they are approved for sale in pharmacies.
February 2012:
CASAA successfully challenged the local 70% E-Cigarette tax, proposing SB2233 to the Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives. The result was passage of a ban on tobacco sales to minors without the 70% sales tax.
March 2012:
VapeBashTM is held in Chicago, IL.
United Tobacco Vapor Group Inc., a subsidiary of TVECA, wins a lawsuit challenging the Dutch Ministry of Health over the sale of e-cigarettes.
The Higher Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, orders states to remove bans and warnings on e-cigarettes. The administrative court holds that e-cigarettes are tobacco products and not medicines.
Consumer groups including CASAA, ECCA UK, Stelda NL (Netherlands), IGED (Germany) and ATACA (Australia) organized the first World Vaping Day, which took place on 22 March.
Nearly 200 of Germany's estimated 1.2 million e-cigarette users marched peacefully in Düsseldorf to protest against “lies”, shop raids by police and a crackdown on German Vapers.
April 2012:
The Venezuelan government threatens sanctions with fines of up to $8,400 for those who distribute or promote e-cigarettes banned in the country without a license or corresponding health records.
