Chicago, September 10, 2025 – In what is now the largest e-cigarette seizure in U.S. history, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a joint enforcement action that confiscated more than 4.7 million unauthorized e-cigarettes, with an estimated retail value of $86 million (≈6.27 billion RMB).
The operation, carried out over one week in Chicago, underscores the government’s escalating crackdown on illegal vaping products and its nationwide strategy to combat youth vaping.
Details of the Operation
The record-breaking seizure followed months of coordination between CBP and FDA aimed at tightening border inspections and preventing the influx of unapproved e-cigarettes into the U.S. market.
Authorities targeted several high-risk categories:
- Products lacking FDA premarket authorization
- Attempts to evade federal taxes
- Intellectual property violations
- Improper or hazardous labeling practices
Officials revealed that almost all of the confiscated products originated in China and were intended for distribution across multiple U.S. states.
FDA’s Nationwide Strategy Against Illegal E-Cigarettes
The crackdown is part of the FDA’s broader campaign to reduce youth vaping and strengthen enforcement against illicit e-cigarette imports. Key initiatives include:
- Ending so-called “port shopping” tactics, where importers attempt entry through multiple U.S. ports.
- Disrupting illegal e-cigarette distribution networks.
- Increasing public awareness among parents about vaping risks.
- Collaborating with nationwide retailers to prevent unauthorized product sales.
This latest seizure builds on prior intelligence work, where FDA and CBP improved risk profiling and inspection efficiency at U.S. ports of entry.
Year-to-Date Enforcement Results
So far in 2025, joint enforcement efforts have stopped more than 6 million illegal e-cigarettes, valued at over $120 million (≈8.7 billion RMB), from entering the U.S.
This underscores the scale of the problem and the federal government’s determination to enforce compliance.
Legality and Penalties for Importers
All products seized in Chicago were found to lack the FDA’s Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) authorization, making them illegal to sell or distribute in the United States.
As of today, the FDA has approved only 39 e-cigarette products and devices, which are listed in its searchable public Tobacco Products Database.
In addition, the FDA issued warning notices to 37 importers and customs brokers, citing violations such as false declarations and misleading import documentation. The agency reminded businesses that submitting false information to the U.S. government constitutes a federal crime. Companies have 30 days to respond to the FDA’s notice and provide required compliance documentation.
Federal Officials Speak Out
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, said:
“We will never allow foreign entities to threaten the health of America’s children. Today’s decisive action protects kids from dangerous, unauthorized vaping products. I thank President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for their leadership in shutting down this black market.”
Rodney Scott, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, added:
“Parents, teachers, and coaches need to be alert. No one can be sure what’s inside these illegal products or how they were manufactured. I strongly urge Americans to understand what they are buying before bringing these products into their communities.”
Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of the FDA, stated:
“The FDA and our federal partners are taking aggressive measures to secure America’s borders and keep dangerous, addictive vaping products out of the hands of children. Any e-cigarette not authorized by the FDA will be detained, seized, or destroyed.”
Key Takeaways for the Vaping Industry and Consumers
- The U.S. government is intensifying enforcement against illegal vape imports.
- Importers from China and abroad face stricter scrutiny and potential federal charges.
- Only FDA-authorized e-cigarettes are legal for sale in the U.S.
- Consumers should be cautious and verify products through the FDA’s official database before purchasing.
Conclusion
The record-breaking seizure of 4.7 million unauthorized e-cigarettes in Chicago highlights the U.S. government’s firm stance against illegal vape imports and its commitment to protecting public health.
As the FDA and CBP continue to ramp up inspections and enforcement, both importers and consumers should ensure compliance with U.S. vaping regulations to avoid severe penalties and protect community safety.