New Laws to Introduce Jail Time, Hefty Fines, and Forced Shop Closures
The New South Wales (NSW) government is set to introduce some of the nation’s toughest laws to combat Sydney’s booming illicit cigarette and vape trade. The new legislation, to be introduced when parliament resumes next month, will include potential prison terms of up to seven years and massive fines for illegal tobacco sellers.
Read moreJuly 2025 has proven to be a pivotal month in the global fight against the illicit e-cigarette trade. Law enforcement and customs agencies from Asia to Europe and the Americas have launched significant operations, resulting in the seizure of millions of dollars’ worth of illegal vaping products. This roundup details the key enforcement actions from around the world, painting a clear picture of a shadow industry under increasing pressure from regulators who are tackling everything from large-scale smuggling to local retail violations.
Read moreU.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago have seized a significant shipment of illicit vaping products, totaling 43,200 pieces, for violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. The shipment, which originated from China, was destined for an address in Mississippi.
Read moreThe United States is currently facing a flood of unauthorized, often flavored, disposable e-cigarettes, with the vast majority originating from manufacturing hubs in China. Despite a regulatory framework designed to control the market and protect youth, a complex and often brazen supply chain has emerged, leveraging a network of U.S.-based middlemen – including customs brokers and obscure distribution companies – to navigate import hurdles and place these illegal products onto store shelves nationwide. A deep dive into customs data, regulatory filings, and industry insights reveals a shadow economy operating in plain sight, posing significant challenges for federal enforcement agencies and public health officials alike.
Read moreKazakhstan is ramping up its efforts to combat the illegal trade and use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) as offenses related to these products continue to rise, particularly among young people. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, over 268 criminal offenses involving vapes have been registered since the beginning of 2025, with a significant portion concerning illicit trade and sales to minors under 18.
Read moreDoctors in the Netherlands are threatening legal action against social media platform Snapchat, holding it responsible for facilitating the illegal sale of vapes, particularly to young people. This move comes after a ban on disposable vapes with sweet flavors took effect in the Netherlands on January 1, 2024, permitting only tobacco-flavored products in an effort to discourage youth vaping.
Read moreSouth Australia has implemented what are being called the nation’s toughest penalties for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vaping products. The new laws, championed by the Malinauskas Labor Government, grant police greater enforcement powers, create new offenses with significantly increased fines for supply and possession, and allow for longer premises closure orders.
Read moreThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced the seizure of nearly two million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products in Chicago, carrying an estimated retail value of $33.8 million. The operation, which took place in February of this year, aimed to intercept and prevent illegal e-cigarettes from entering the U.S. market.
Read moreCustoms investigators in Hamburg, Germany, have dismantled a significant illegal e-cigarette operation, seizing nearly 3,000 liters of illicit vape liquid and preventing an estimated €730,000 in tax losses. Officials announced the successful raid on Wednesday, confirming the provisional arrest of four suspects linked to gang-related tax evasion.
Read moreAcross the country, flashy and highly publicized conventions are showcasing an endless array of products that are not only illegal under federal law but also dangerous, addictive, and targeting America’s youth. At a recent expo in Miami, a dazzling display of e-cigarettes, or vapes, featured a wide range of enticing flavors, from Banana Taffy and Blueberry Milk to Gummy Rush and Tropical Gush.
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