Accorto Regulatory Solutions CEO, Tom Beaudet, Speaks at ECCC

During the week of December 11th in Shenzhen, China, Accorto’s CEO, Tom Beaudet, had?many opportunities to discuss directly with the participants about the changes in the US nicotine market during the course of 2023 and his thoughts on what manufacturers should consider when entering or expanding their presence in the US market in 2024 and beyond.? As part of ECCC’s panel discussion “Change in Vape Product – From the Views of Regulations and Customers”, Tom offered a few insights:

Question: What changes have been seen in product assortment within the marketplace in 2023 and what change should be expected in products in 2024?

Answer: In 2023 the two most significant changes we saw in vaping products in the US were a transition from synthetic nicotine back to plant-based nicotine and the introduction of higher puff count devices.

Accorto has conducted multiple consumer research studies on vaping products that included consumer perceptions of synthetic nicotine vs plant-based nicotine. The consensus is that most consumers prefer plant-based nicotine due to the smoother vaping experience. ?Consumers also shared the perception that plant-based nicotine is more “natural” and they did not fully understand what synthetic nicotine is.

The other change in 2023 was a transition to higher puff-count disposables. ?As the UK and several European countries have implemented a 2mL limit on vape products, this change was primarily observed in the US market.? One thing to consider is that although consumers like the convenience of higher puff counts, they have expressed concerns with product consistency, as flavor and nicotine strength both can change over time. ?Accorto stresses the importance of testing high-puff-count products over the entire life of the product. ?If consumers are noticing a difference, then there is certainly a high probability of a difference in the chemical composition of the product aerosol over time. ?Product lifecycle testing is needed to ensure that your product is as high-quality in the last puff as it was with the first.? Accorto's strategic alliance with Inter Scientific, Ltd., using their cutting-edge analytical methods, coupled with Accorto's bespoke regulatory strategies allows us to ensure our clients are delivering product consistency from the first puff to the last.

Question: What should manufacturers consider in 2024 if they want their products to be considered for a marketing order in the US?

Answer: There are a few main points that should be considered when developing an application in 2024:

1. Age-gating technology. Industry-leading companies are developing more advanced age-gating technologies to ensure underage users are not able to use their products.?Age-gating technologies should be explored as part of the new product development process.
2. Environmentally friendly products. The environmental impact of disposable vaping products is quickly becoming a global problem. Companies should combine product designs with an effective product return and recycling program. New products should use biodegradable materials, such as PlA and compressed paper, wherever possible. Products should be designed for easy removal of the battery and for ease of separation of components into different recycling waste streams.
3. Trackability & Traceability.?Track and trace technology and/or procedures from point of manufacture to point of sale are likely to be mandated by most countries in 2024/2025.
4. Longitudinal Data. Any company that wants to get a flavored ENDS product approved in the US must strongly consider conducting a Longitudinal Cohort Switching study. ?Accorto is working with a market leader in switching study design to conduct these studies, and has demonstrated a strong track of integrating the results into complex applications to present compelling evidence that many products are appropriate for the protection of public health.

?Insights taken from the 2023 Annual Conference of Electrical Cigarette Professional Committee of China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (ECCC)

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