In the past 12 months, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago have made significant strides in curbing the importation of unapproved Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Over this period, they seized 121 shipments containing more than 3.2 million ENDS products, with a total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) exceeding $81.5 million. These products, which include e-cigarettes and vape devices, were found to be non-compliant with U.S. regulations, posing potential health risks due to their lack of approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The seizures are part of CBP’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure the safety of imported goods. ENDS products are heavily regulated, and those entering the U.S. without proper approval are subject to confiscation. Many of these products were found to be falsely labeled or misrepresented, further increasing concerns over their safety and authenticity.
Chicago CBP officers have been working closely with the FDA and other agencies to identify and intercept these illegal shipments. The large number of seizures highlights the continued issue of unauthorized vape products entering the market, especially those intended for sale to minors. The CBP urges consumers to be cautious when purchasing ENDS products and to be aware of the regulatory requirements surrounding their sale.
These enforcement actions underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous standards for product safety and the role of federal agencies in safeguarding public health from potentially harmful imports.
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