Exclusive-BAT pauses unlicensed US vape launch as FDA action accelerates

By Emma Rumney LONDON -British American Tobacco said it has paused a pilot plan to launch an unlicensed disposable vape in the U.S., as the Food and Drug Administration moves to crack down on unregulated products and speed up licences. BAT's previously unreported reversal reveals the complex battle big tobacco faces to compete with a wave of unregulated products, largely from China, that have dented profits in the $22 billion U.S. market for smoking alternatives. The company also makes Lucky Strike and Dunhill cigarettes. Marlboro-maker Philip Morris International said in September it was open to making a similar move with versions of its Zyn nicotine pouch label. BAT's Reynolds American will pause the pilot launch for Vuse One, which it acquired in April, for now, a spokesperson told Reut