Ready to participate? Here's a practical guide to submitting an effective public comment.

Step 1: Go to Regulations.gov

Navigate to regulations.gov, the federal government's online portal for public comments on agency rules and proposed policies.

Step 2: Find the Right Docket

Search for FDA dockets related to tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or the specific policy you want to comment on. Look for dockets that are still accepting comments — the site clearly shows open/closed status. Key docket categories to watch for:

• Tobacco product premarket applications (PMTA) draft guidances
• Enforcement priority updates
• Harmful and potentially harmful constituent (HPHC) lists
• Modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) applications

Step 3: Write an Effective Comment

The most impactful comments share several qualities:

• Personal but specific. If you're an adult who switched from smoking to vaping, share your experience — but ground it in specifics (how long you smoked, what helped you switch, how your health changed). Vague anecdotes carry less weight than detailed narratives.
• Data-informed. If you can cite specific studies, FDA data points, or population-level evidence, do so. Comments that engage with the evidence base are taken more seriously.
• Policy-focused. Address the specific policy or guidance in the docket, not a general rant about the FDA. Tell the agency what specific change you want and why.
• Rational tone. Emotional language can be authentic, but comments that come across as angry or abusive tend to be dismissed. Stay measured and constructive.

Step 4: Submit and Save a Copy

Follow the site's instructions to submit. Most dockets allow anonymous submission, though you'll need to provide basic information. Save a copy of your comment and the confirmation for your records — comments are publicly visible, so don't include personal information you wouldn't want posted online.