New rules from the Food and Drug Administration could wreck the consumer-driven market for a broad range of products that reduce or eliminate many of the harmful aspects of combustible cigarettes, and drive millions back to smoking.

Under the FDA’s current proposal, nicotine-delivery products created after Feb. 15, 2007 — including e-cigarettes and other vapor devices already being sold and used by consumers — would be taken off the market until they pass a tremendously onerous and expensive authorization process.