U.S. Customs report: More than 3.2 million illegal e-cigarettes seized in one year, with a total value of approximately $81.5 million

U.S. Customs report: More than 3.2 million illegal e-cigarettes seized in one year, with a total value of approximately $81.5 million

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that more than 3.2 million illegal e-cigarette products were seized in the past year, with a total value of more than $81.5 million. These products mainly came from China, violated FDA regulations, and involved intellectual property infringement and marketing strategies targeting young people.

On December 16, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (hereinafter referred to as "CBP") announced that in the past 12 months, officials from the CBP Chicago office conducted a total of 121 seizures and seized a total of more than 3.2 million illegal e-cigarette products, with a suggested retail value of more than $81.5 million.

Image from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website | Image source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection official website

Almost all of these goods come from China and are destined for various parts of the United States. Most of the goods violate the relevant regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, field director of the Chicago Regional Office, mentioned: "Criminals often use celebrities and brands to promote their products. Some of these cases even use the names of influential public figures, especially targeting young people."

In addition to intellectual property infringement, Customs also found that these products lacked the necessary FDA market authorization and were found to be adulterated and mislabeled, thereby violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Mike Pfeiffer, Director of the Chicago Area Port, said,

"Criminals are using a variety of means to expand the reach of their illicit operations. Proceeds from the sale of illicit goods are often used to support further criminal activity such as drug trafficking, fraud, and the purchase of illegal weapons."

CBP provides admission and clearance information for e-commerce goods, encourages buyers to comply with import regulations, and launches educational programs to increase consumer awareness of the risks of counterfeit and pirated goods.