Additional Coverage:
Federal authorities announced Thursday the seizure of nearly $34 million worth of illegal e-cigarettes in Chicago this past February. This is the latest move in an ongoing crackdown on unauthorized vaping products entering the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection and the FDA uncovered almost two million e-cigarette units, primarily from China, including brands like Snoopy Smoke and Raz. Officials stated that many companies attempted to bypass customs using tactics like mislabeling and falsified values on shipping documents.
The FDA has also issued warning letters to 24 companies involved in importing tobacco products. “We can and will do more to stop illegal e-cigarettes from coming into the United States,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated, emphasizing the importance of keeping these products out of the hands of youth. While over 20 million e-cigarettes are sold monthly in the U.S., only 34 tobacco and menthol-flavored products are currently authorized for sale.
Bret Koplow, head of the FDA’s tobacco regulation center, acknowledged the ongoing attempts to smuggle illegal vaping products but affirmed the agency’s increasing effectiveness in intercepting them. The seized products are slated for destruction.
This operation is part of a larger effort that has stopped over $77 million worth of illegal e-cigarettes in the past year through similar actions in Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. The FDA has also issued over 750 warning letters to manufacturers and sellers of unauthorized vaping products, over 800 warnings to retailers, and has levied financial penalties against 87 manufacturers and more than 175 retailers.
Yolonda Richardson, president and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, applauded the joint effort and urged continued action to hold those responsible accountable.