U.S. Representatives Urge Crackdown on Illegal Vapes in 2025

South Dakota HB 1069 illegal Chinese vapes

In a letter sent on March 19, 2025, three U.S. representatives called on the Trump administration to take decisive action against the sale of illegal Chinese-made vape products in the United States. The letter, signed by Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota), John Moolenaar (R-Michigan), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois), was addressed to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Food and Drug Administration Acting Commissioner Sara Brenner.

The representatives expressed their concern over the “large-scale smuggling of these illicit vaping products,” which they claim accounts for more than half of all vapes sold in the U.S. They argue that this influx of unauthorized products not only undermines American public health priorities but also contributes to a significant increase in youth vaping.

The congressmen acknowledged the creation of a federal multi-agency task force by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FDA in June 2024 to combat the illegal distribution and sale of e-cigarettes. However, they stressed that more must be done and called for the utilization of all enforcement tools at the administration’s disposal, including the seizure of these products, which they claim occurs far too infrequently.

The letter cited a recent example of successful enforcement, noting that in January 2025, the FDA, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 628,000 unauthorized e-cigarette products from a warehouse in Miami. The seized products, valued at more than $7 million, included mostly flavored, disposable e-cigarettes.

As of August 2025, the FDA has authorized only 34 e-cigarette products and devices, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and enforcement against the sale of illegal and potentially harmful vape products in the United States.

Matthew Ma
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