U.S. Government’s Seizure of More than 18 million Illegal E-Cigarettes Valued at Over $175 Million is Important Step to Protect Kids

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauds the recent announcement by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that more than 18 million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products, valued at over $175 million, were seized as part of a targeted interagency operation.

This action serves as an important reminder of the need for an all-government approach to meaningfully prevent illegal e-cigarettes from being imported, distributed, and sold in the United States. We urge Customs and Border Protection, in coordination with FDA, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other agencies with relevant authorities to continue to use every enforcement tool at their disposal to take these illegal products off the market. The US Government should also hold those illegally manufacturing, distributing, and selling these products accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

As part of a comprehensive approach, the U.S. Government should take action against all unauthorized tobacco products. The federal Tobacco Control Act requires FDA to conduct rigorous scientific review of new tobacco products and provide an authorization before a product can be legally sold in the United States. If a product has not been authorized for sale by the FDA, it’s on the market illegally. To maximize impact, enforcement actions should be taken across the entire supply chain, including against manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers who are violating the law.

These illegal e-cigarettes come in a huge assortment of kid-friendly flavors and contain massive doses of nicotine that can quickly addict kids. Youth e-cigarette use remains a serious public health problem in the United States, with 1.4 million kids still using e-cigarettes. Nearly 90 percent of these youth report using flavored products, with fruit being the most commonly used flavor.