Chicago CBP agents seize over $350,000 worth of unauthorized e-cigarettes bound for Mississippi

CHICAGO — Thousands of e-cigarettes, valued at over $350,000, will not be hitting the shelves after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Chicago seized several pallets for violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

According to CBP, officers in Chicago recently seized five pallets from China, which contained 43,200 unauthorized nicotine vaporizers, which were bound for an address in Mississippi.

The devices were seized after CBP officers determined that they were violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) because they lacked the required FDA marketing authorization.

The pallets seized contained Kangvape Onee Stick products, which will be turned over to CBP’s Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures for final disposition.

“Our officers are dedicated to identifying and intercepting these types of shipments which could potentially harm the health and wellbeing of people within our communities,” LaFonda Sutton-Burke, director of field operations, Chicago Field Office, said. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s trade enforcement mission places a significant emphasis on intercepting illicit products, and we will continue to work with our consumer product safety partners to identify and seize unsafe and illicit goods.”

In addition to the FD&C violation, officers said the shipment, which had a domestic value of $358,000, had also been undervalued to avoid duties and FDA import requirements.

Only 39 e-cigarette products are authorized by the FDA. Visit the FDA’s website to view a full list of products legally marketed and sold in the U.S.