United States: The proliferation of vaping products across the United States has seen a concerning surge. Recently, federal agents made a crucial bust, confiscating over 1.4 million illegal vaping items smuggled into the US from China.
As shared by the US Food and Drug Administration, the operation spanned three days at the Los Angeles International Airport. In a concerted effort, authorities intercepted 41 shipments carrying a staggering $18 million worth of e-cigarettes.
Preliminary reports revealed that Elf Bar, among other banned flavored vapes, was among the seized products. The FDA confirmed that all confiscated items will be disposed of under strict guidance.
In a deceptive tactic, certain products were purposefully mislabeled as toys, footwear, or household items to evade customs, an FDA spokesperson disclosed.
FDA’s Director of the Center for Tobacco Products, Brian King, issued a stern warning to those engaging in such illicit activities, particularly targeting youth with illegal e-cigarettes. “Federal agencies are vigilant against these deceptive maneuvers and will take decisive action,” King stated, emphasizing the substantial value of the seized products as a stark reminder to comply with the law.
Elf Bar, a prominent vaping brand, has garnered attention among young users, as highlighted by the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey. This seizure was hailed by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids as a critical step in eliminating illegal flavored e-cigarette products that pose risks to the health of young individuals, according to Yolonda Richardson, the organization’s president and CEO.
Statistics from federal surveys indicate that approximately 2.1 million American youngsters use e-cigarettes, with a vast majority favoring flavored products like candy, desserts, menthol, and mint.
Reports suggest that the FDA red-listed companies associated with Elf Bar and illegal e-cigarettes in May 2023, streamlining inspection procedures upon entry into the country. A joint effort by the FDA and US Customs and Border Protection meticulously inspected shipping invoices to identify shipments containing unlawful products.
The seized items included Elf Bar flavored vapes and various Chinese vape products, such as EB Design, EB Create, Lost Mary, Funky Republic, RELX Pod, and IPLAY Max.
In response, Dr. Robert Califf, the FDA Commissioner, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to halt the influx of illegal e-cigarettes. He underscored the FDA’s vigilance and collaboration with federal partners to prevent these products from reaching American youths.
The FDA had previously announced its vigorous stance against flavored vape and tobacco products in 2020. Since then, the agency has imposed civil money penalties on 38 e-cigarette manufacturers and 67 retailers by December, signaling their ongoing efforts to curb illegal vaping activities.