US Customs, FDA Seize $86.5M Illegal E-Cigarettes From China in Largest Federal Operation

U.S. federal authorities, including the FDA and Customs and Border Protection, have seized a record 4.7 million unauthorized e-cigarettes valued at $86.5 million in a joint operation in Chicago, marking the largest seizure of its kind. Most of the illegal shipments originated from China and featured vague, misleading product labels and incorrect valuations to evade import duties and safety reviews. This seizure is part of a broader federal effort to combat childhood vaping and illegal e-cigarette distribution, with over 6 million unauthorized units worth more than $120 million blocked so far this year. Authorities also targeted distributors like Midwest Goods, which is cooperating but intends to defend its rights in court. The FDA has sent warnings to 37 importers involved, reminding them that making false statements to the government is a federal crime. Officials emphasized the dangers these unauthorized products pose to children and pledged continued aggressive enforcement to prevent illegal vape products from entering and circulating in the U.S.