U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago have seized over 3.2 million prohibited Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) products valued at more than $81.5 million over the past year. These shipments, primarily originating from China, were headed to various locations across the United States.

Most of these ENDS products violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), with some also infringing on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Some IPR violations involved unauthorized trademarks linked to pop icons aimed at enticing teens and young adults into purchasing counterfeit items.

“It is common for bad actors to use popular people and brands to promote their products. In a couple of these instances, they used the name of an influencer with a large following specifically targeting the younger audience,” stated LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations at the Chicago Field Office. She emphasized CBP's commitment to intercepting illicit products that could harm American consumers.

In addition to IPR issues, many seized products lacked necessary FDA marketing authorization and were deemed adulterated and misbranded under the FD&C Act. Unapproved vapes and e-cigarettes may contain dangerous levels of nicotine or unknown toxic chemicals posing health risks.

“Criminals are using every means imaginable to expand the reach of their illicit enterprises,” commented Mike Pfeiffer, Chicago Area Port Director. He highlighted how sales from illegal goods fund further criminal activities such as drug trafficking and fraud.

CBP advises consumers on import regulations for e-commerce goods and encourages awareness about counterfeit dangers through its educational initiative "Truth Behind Counterfeits." More information can be found on their website.

Each year, CBP seizes millions of counterfeit goods worldwide as part of its mission to protect U.S. businesses and consumers from economic harm, job loss, health threats, and criminal funding sources.

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