THURSDAY, May 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — In February of this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized nearly 2 million units of unauthorized electronic cigarette products in Chicago.
The operation was a joint federal effort from the FDA and CBP to intercept incoming shipments and prevent the entry of illegal e-cigarettes into the United States. The estimated retail value of this seizure was $33.8 million.
Almost all of the illegal e-cigarette products discovered by the team originated in China and were intended for shipment to multiple U.S. states. Officials from the two agencies said that numerous unauthorized e-cigarette shipments have been entering the country and seem to suggest an attempt to avoid duty fees and import safety reviews. Specifically, these shipments often feature unclear product descriptions and inaccurate declared values.
