FDA and CBP Seize $76 Million Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes in Joint Operation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the administrative seizure of approximately three million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products, with an estimated retail value of $76 million. The seizures were part of a July joint operation to examine incoming shipments and prevent illegal e-cigarettes from entering the country.

FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., emphasized the agency’s commitment to stopping unauthorized e-cigarettes at the nation’s borders, stating that these products often end up in the hands of children. The newly formed federal task force is well-positioned to combat this unscrupulous activity collectively.

Months of Preparation Lead to Successful Operation

The joint team worked for several months to review shipping invoices, identify potentially violative incoming shipments, and complete other investigative work that led to this successful operation. Upon examining shipments, all of which originated in China, the team found various brands of illegal e-cigarettes, including Geek Bar and others. Most of these unauthorized e-cigarettes were intentionally misdeclared as items unrelated to vaping products and with incorrect values in an attempt to evade duties and detection.

Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner for CBP, highlighted the agency’s emphasis on intercepting illicit products that could harm American consumers and pledged to continue working with enforcement partners to identify and seize unsafe and unlawful goods.

Task Force to Continue Pursuing Illegal E-Cigarette Smugglers

Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, warned that this operation would not be the last, and the task force would continue to relentlessly pursue those attempting to smuggle illegal e-cigarettes. He emphasized that the $76 million lost by bad actors should serve as a sobering reminder that their time and money would be better spent complying with the law.

The joint federal task force will continue to focus on actions to stop the illegal importation and distribution of unauthorized e-cigarette products in the United States. This may include investigating and prosecuting new criminal, civil, seizure, and forfeiture actions under various statutes, which can result in felony convictions, significant criminal fines, civil monetary penalties, and seizures of unauthorized products.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of various products, including tobacco products.

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$76 Million in Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in Joint Federal Operation

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.