California Attorney General Bonta leads a multi-state coalition to crack down on illegal flavored e-cigarettes and sues companies related to the FLUM brand and its founder

California Attorney General Bonta leads a multi-state coalition to crack down on illegal flavored e-cigarettes and sues companies related to the FLUM brand and its founder

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined nine other states in a joint action to combat illegal flavored e-cigarettes and has filed a lawsuit against Flumgio Technology Inc. and its founder Zaoyu Zhu. This action, targeting violations of California's flavored tobacco ban, highlights a nationwide effort to combat the illegal e-cigarette trade that targets youth.
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(1) This article is only used to study the new tobacco industry and does not involve any political issues;

(2) The opinions of the people listed in this article do not represent the views of the two supreme views;

(3) The Chinese content is translated for reference only. All content is subject to the original English text.

Oakland, January 15, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that he has joined forces with nine other state attorneys general to launch a joint action against companies that illegally manufacture, distribute and sell flavored disposable e-cigarettes. This multi-state joint action aims to curb the spread of addictive tobacco products that target youth by enforcing state tobacco and consumer protection laws.

Bonta also filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Flumgio Technology Inc., Berkeley Int'l Business Crew and its founder Zaoyu Zhu, alleging that they illegally imported and sold FLUM brand e-cigarettes. These products are popular because of their flavors and packaging that appeal to teenagers, but are illegal under California's flavored tobacco retail ban and do not have FDA market authorization.

"As a father and California's Attorney General, I will not sit idly by while companies profit from harmful, addictive products that specifically target our youth," said Bonta. "This multi-state collaboration demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting public health and holding these companies accountable."

California Attorney General Rob Bonta | Source: California Department of Justice official website

Rare move: Filing a lawsuit against those responsible for illegal trade

In a rare law enforcement move, Attorney General Bonta's lawsuit directly named Zaoyu Zhu, founder of Flumgio Technology Inc., as a defendant. Zhu was accused of personally participating in the illegal importation and sale of FLUM brand e-cigarettes, helping retailers circumvent California's flavored tobacco ban, and misleading consumers through false advertising.

By holding individuals accountable, we send a clear signal that illegal activities targeting youth will not be tolerated." This action highlights the seriousness of the alleged violations and also serves as a warning to other individuals engaged in the illegal tobacco trade.

The growing problem of youth e-cigarettes

Flavored disposable e-cigarettes have surged in the U.S. market, with the number of unique products growing 1,500% since 2020. These products are mainly manufactured in China and promoted with bright packaging, fun designs and attractive flavors such as fruit and candy. Some even contain video games to attract young consumers. Disposable e-cigarettes remain the most widely used tobacco product by U.S. youth, according to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, despite containing high levels of nicotine, and federal regulatory measures have not yet been able to effectively control their spread.

Bonta's lawsuit accuses the FLUM defendants of exploiting system loopholes to help retailers circumvent California's flavored tobacco ban and attract consumers through false advertising. The lawsuit also alleges violations of California's False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law, and seeks an injunction to prevent further illegal activities.

Multi-state joint action

This joint action covers legal measures in multiple states:

• Connecticut: Civil investigation notice issued to retailers selling high-nicotine, illegally imported e-cigarettes.

• Illinois: Lawsuit filed against Posh, a popular disposable e-cigarette brand, alleging that it violated youth protection laws.

• New Jersey: Warning letters sent to nearly 11,000 tobacco retailers, reiterating that state law prohibits the sale of flavored vapor products.

• New York and other states: More lawsuits and investigations against non-compliant manufacturers and distributors.

California's Comprehensive Strategy

Bonta's action continues California's tough stance on flavored tobacco. Recent steps include developing regulations to implement the state's flavored tobacco ban and reaching a $462 million settlement with JUUL Labs, Inc., of which California received $175.8 million for research, education, and enforcement to combat youth smoking. These measures are designed to curb youth addiction and hold accountable for illegal marketing practices.

Impact on the Industry

This action marks an important signal for increased regulation of the disposable e-cigarette market, which is expanding rapidly despite restrictions under federal and state laws. Legal actions like the one announced today could reshape the industry landscape, forcing manufacturers to comply with FDA market requirements and state laws or face severe penalties.

This multi-state collaboration highlights the bipartisan commitment to combating illegal tobacco products. "Addressing these threats to public health requires a unified effort," said Bonta. "We will continue to use all of our tools to protect the health of our communities."