FDA and Customs Seize 1.4 Million Unauthorized E-Cigarettes

The products, valued at over $18 million, were smuggled from China and are popular among minors.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Customs and Border Protection seized about 1.4 million units of unauthorized e-cigarettes, including brands such as Elf Bar and Funky Republic.
The e-cigarettes, which were intentionally declared as toys, shoes, or other items to evade detection, have an estimated retail value of over $18 million.
All of the products originated in China and were seized during a three-day joint operation at a cargo examination site at Los Angeles International Airport.
The FDA has previously issued warning letters to several distributors of e-cigarettes for selling and distributing unauthorized products that are popular with minors.
Over 1 in 10 young adults in the US regularly use e-cigarettes, with Elf Bar being one of the most commonly used brands among young people.