Hawaii Sends Letter To More Than 800 Tobacco Retailers, Warning Them That They Will Be Fined For Selling Unauthorized E-cigarette Products

Hawaii sends letter to more than 800 tobacco retailers, warning them that they will be fined for selling unauthorized e-cigarette products

The Attorney General of Hawaii, USA, warned more than 800 retailers that they were selling illegal e-cigarettes and oral tobacco products, and violators will face federal investigation and penalties.
According to HawaiiNewsNow on January 17, Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has sent letters to more than 800 tobacco retailers and distributors, stating that they may be distributing and selling illegal tobacco products. These products include e-cigarettes and oral tobacco products.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stipulates that all tobacco products sold in the United States must be authorized, only 34 e-cigarettes and 24 oral nicotine products have been authorized by the FDA, including 20 nicotine pouch products authorized recently. The Attorney General pointed out that flavored disposable e-cigarettes may not only contain high doses of nicotine, but also attract consumers with child-friendly flavors, gameplay and bright colors. Some products even contain video games to encourage young consumers to obtain virtual currency through smoking.

The inspectors general said these product manufacturers and distributors refused to participate in the FDA's prescribed marketing order process, and therefore these products were considered adulterated and prohibited from sale. Retailers and distributors found to knowingly sell illegal tobacco products may be subject to federal investigation and penalties.