Before listing any e-cigarette product on your store, complete these four steps. Document the results for your compliance records.
Identify the Exact Product
Record every detail about the product. Vague identification leads to verification errors.
- Manufacturer — Who actually makes it? (Not the brand owner — the manufacturer)
- Brand — The consumer-facing brand name
- Product Name — Exact model/device name
- Product Type — Device only? Pod system? Disposable? Cartridge?
- Nicotine Strength — Exact percentage or mg/mL
- Flavor — Exact flavor name (where applicable)
- Other Configurations — Battery size, coil type, pod capacity, etc.
The more precise your identification, the more reliable your verification.
Search the FDA's Official Database
The FDA maintains a Searchable Tobacco Products Database that contains the latest information on tobacco products that may be legally marketed in the US. This should be your primary reference.
Search by manufacturer name and product name. The goal is not just to find the company — it's to find the specific product and its regulatory status.
Also check the FDA's marketing orders page for: Marketing Granted Orders, Marketing Denial Orders, PMTA-related actions, SE-related actions, and EX REQ actions.
Note: The FDA's database is the most current source. Third-party lists (including this article) can fall behind.
Identify the Regulatory Decision
For each product you find in the database, determine the actual FDA regulatory action:
- Marketing Granted Order (MGO) — The product is authorized. This is the only "green light" status.
- Marketing Denial Order (MDO) — The product has been denied. Do not list it.
- Pending / Under Review — No decision yet. Assess whether it falls under enforcement discretion per current guidance. Document your assessment.
Do not rely on manufacturer claims alone. Always verify against the official FDA record.
Verify the Product Match
This is the step many retailers skip — and it's where mistakes happen.
The FDA record may cover one specific device-and-pod configuration. That does not mean every variation sold under the same brand has the same status.
Compare side by side:
- FDA Product Record ↔ Actual Product Being Sold
- Product name matches?
- Manufacturer matches?
- Product type matches?
- Nicotine strength matches?
- Flavor matches?
If any detail doesn't match, the authorization doesn't apply to that specific SKU.
