U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has seized nearly two million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products in Chicago, valued at approximately $33.8 million. The seizures, which took place in February, were part of a joint federal operation aimed at examining incoming shipments to prevent illegal e-cigarettes from entering the United States.
The operation revealed shipments of various illegal e-cigarette products, primarily originating from China and intended for different destinations within the U.S. FDA and CBP personnel found that many of these unauthorized shipments had vague product descriptions with incorrect values, seemingly to evade duties and safety reviews. Brands such as Snoopy Smoke and Raz were among those identified.
"Consumers should understand these e-cigarette products from China could be dangerous, produced and adulterated under unsafe conditions. The products could be laced with toxins or narcotics which could be fatal," stated CBP Acting Commissioner Pete Flores. "Customs and Border Protection’s trade enforcement mission places a significant emphasis on intercepting illicit products that could harm American consumers, and we will continue to work with our consumer product safety partners to identify and seize unsafe and illicit goods."
These actions are part of coordinated efforts across federal agencies to curb the distribution of illegal e-cigarettes. Before this operation, the joint FDA and CBP team identified potentially violative shipments through investigative work, implementing new internal efficiencies based on previous operations.
Most shipments violated the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; some also breached Intellectual Property Rights due to unauthorized trademark use. All seized e-cigarette products lacked mandatory premarket authorization orders from the FDA, rendering them illegal for marketing or distribution in the U.S.
For more information about CBP's activities, follow @CBPChicago on X or visit their YouTube channel.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America's largest law enforcement organization focused on securing borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
