ITC terminates investigation on Kimsun in e-cigarette dispute

Sep.25.2024
ITC terminates investigation on Kimsun in e-cigarette dispute
ITC terminates investigation on disposable e-cigarette devices, issuing settlement order to Kimsun in 337 case.

On September 23, according to the latest announcement by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), in the 337 investigation case regarding certain disposable e-cigarette devices, the commission decided not to review the initial determination of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This means that based on a mutually agreed settlement agreement, the investigation into Kimsun Technology (HuiZhou) Co., Ltd. has been terminated.


The investigation case number is 337-TA-1410, which began on July 22, 2024, brought by the plaintiffs RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc., R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, RAI Services Company, collectively known as the plaintiffs. They accused 35 companies, including Kimsun, of violating Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The plaintiffs claim that these companies have imported, sold, and/or sold after importation disposable e-cigarette devices and their components in the United States, infringing on their patents.


On August 16, 2024, Kimsun applied to terminate the investigation against it based on a consent order. On August 22, the Office of Unfair Import Investigations (OUII) supported the motion, with no opposition from other parties. On August 28, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) issued a preliminary ruling to terminate the investigation against Kimsun, stating that the consent order complied with ITC rules 210.21(c)(3) and (4), and that the termination of the investigation would not be against the public interest.


ITC decided not to review the ruling in the vote on September 23 and issued a consent order to Kimsun. This marks the end of the legal dispute for Kimsun in the 337 investigation case.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

UK Vape Maker Riot Enters Clacton By-Election to Fight Government 'White Packaging' Proposals
UK Vape Maker Riot Enters Clacton By-Election to Fight Government 'White Packaging' Proposals
British e-liquid manufacturer Riot Labs has introduced a fictional “candidate” called Riot Man around the Clacton parliamentary by-election, seeking to mobilize consumers and retailers against parts of the UK government’s proposed restrictions on vape packaging, device appearance and retail displays. Riot Man is not listed as an official candidate.
Aug.12
After Apple Business Decline, South Korea’s ITM Semiconductor Expands KT&G Vape Supply Chain as Vape Revenue Rises 24.8%
After Apple Business Decline, South Korea’s ITM Semiconductor Expands KT&G Vape Supply Chain as Vape Revenue Rises 24.8%
South Korean electronics component supplier ITM Semiconductor is reshaping its business portfolio after a decline in Apple-related protection circuit business, expanding its supply of vape devices and cartridges to KT&G. According to News1 on August 18, 2026, ITM’s vape-related revenue rose 24.8% year on year to 75.5 billion won in the first half of 2026. The company began mass production of vape devices at its Cikarang, Indonesia facility in January 2026, strengthening export manufacturing capacity. Meanwhile, Samsung-related protection circuit sales continued to grow, providing support during the transition.
Aug.20
Product | PMI Japan Launches SENTIA Passion Fruit Capsule, Expanding the IQOS ILUMA Flavor Portfolio
Product | PMI Japan Launches SENTIA Passion Fruit Capsule, Expanding the IQOS ILUMA Flavor Portfolio
Philip Morris Japan (PM Japan) has introduced SENTIA Passion Fruit Capsule, a new tobacco stick designed for the IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco platform. Featuring a crush-activated capsule, the product combines menthol with passion fruit flavor to provide an additional flavor experience. The product launched in Japan from August 3, 2026, through IQOS official channels, convenience stores and tobacco retailers.
Aug.04
 $20 Million, a Permanent Injunction and Distributor Controls: Posh Deal Tightens Illinois Vape Compliance
$20 Million, a Permanent Injunction and Distributor Controls: Posh Deal Tightens Illinois Vape Compliance
An Illinois court ordered three companies tied to Posh vapes to pay $20 million and permanently restricted the sale, marketing and distribution in Illinois of products lacking required FDA authorization. The consent order also imposes downstream distributor controls, age-verification measures and social-media marketing limits, creating a new state-level compliance benchmark for disposable vape businesses.
Regulations
Aug.05
Philip Morris Romania Executive on Smoke-Free Strategy: How IQOS Spaces Are Moving Beyond Retail to Consumer Connection
Philip Morris Romania Executive on Smoke-Free Strategy: How IQOS Spaces Are Moving Beyond Retail to Consumer Connection
In an interview with Romanian marketing publication IQads, Marek Gębski, Director of Smoke-Free Products at Philip Morris Romania, said IQOS experience spaces are evolving from traditional retail locations into platforms for consumer engagement and brand connection. Through locations such as IQOS Boutique Victoriei, PMI aims to use design, culture and consumer experiences to strengthen communication with adult consumers about smoke-free products. The interview highlights how tobacco companies are expanding smoke-free strategies beyond products toward experiential marketing and consumer relationships.
Aug.11
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
A consumer survey by Japanese heated tobacco information platform RELAZO found that rising tobacco prices and planned heated tobacco tax changes may influence smoking decisions among Japanese consumers. The survey covered 49,879 men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide. It found that around 40% of respondents cumulatively indicated they may consider quitting when a pack reaches ¥600 (approximately US$4.1), while nearly 90% expressed potential quitting intentions at a ¥1,000 (approximately US$6.8) price level. The survey also found significant differences by income level, with lower-income respondents showing greater sensitivity to price increases.
Jul.24