FDA and CBP seize nearly two million units of illegal e-cigarettes

CHICAGO (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the seizure of nearly two million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products in Chicago, with an estimated retail value of $33.8 million.

The seizures, which occurred in February of this year in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), were part of a joint federal operation to examine incoming shipments and prevent illegal e-cigarettes from entering the country.

During the operation, the team uncovered shipments of various illegal e-cigarette products, almost all of which originated in china and were intended for shipment to various u.S. States.

FDA and CBP personnel say, in an apparent attempt to evade duties and the review of products for import safety concerns, many of these unauthorized e-cigarette shipments contained vague product descriptions with incorrect values.

Upon examining shipments, the team found several brands of unauthorized e-cigarettes.

All of the e-cigarette products seized in this operation lacked the mandatory premarket authorization orders from the FDA and therefore cannot be legally marketed or distributed in the United States.

In the case of unauthorized new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, this generally means they will be destroyed.

To learn more about the seizure, click here.