Strict Inspection at Chicago Port: Hundreds of Tons of Seized E-cigarettes

Regulations by 2FIRSTS
Dec.19.2023
Strict Inspection at Chicago Port: Hundreds of Tons of Seized E-cigarettes
Chicago port intensifies inspections on e-cigarette shipments, confiscates hundreds of tons of products, targeting FDA blacklisted companies.

On December 19th, a reliable source within the e-cigarette logistics industry informed 2FIRSTS that the port of Chicago in the United States is currently conducting strict inspections on e-cigarette freight agents. So far, they have confiscated hundreds of tons of e-cigarettes.

 

According to a knowledgeable source, the inspection operation began on December 15th and is currently ongoing, with multiple e-cigarette freight forwarding companies reportedly being inspected.

 

2FIRSTS subsequently consulted a logistics provider engaged in the transportation of American e-cigarette shipments, who confirmed the situation and stated, "All companies listed in the FDA import alert have fallen victim to it.

 

According to reports, the import alert list, which includes several Chinese e-cigarette brands, was released by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 17.

 

Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on December 15th that it had collaborated with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to seize approximately 1.4 million unauthorized e-cigarette products at the Los Angeles port. These products have a total value exceeding $18 million. 

 

Regarding the Port of Chicago:

 

Prior to this, 2FIRSTS compiled and analyzed the import ratios of e-cigarettes in the top five ports in the United States, based on data released by the US International Trade Commission.

 

According to statistics, Chicago serves as the largest hub for e-cigarettes in the United States, with more than 50% of these products entering the country through this city. They then radiate to the entire Great Lakes region, supplying the markets in the eastern and central parts of the United States.

 

美国国际贸易委员会:2022年白关进口电子烟约4亿支 芝加哥为最大口岸
The proportion of e-cigarette imports in various states of the United States in 2022 | Source: Mincy 

 

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

Russia Plans to Allow Regional Vape Sales Bans from September 2026
Russia Plans to Allow Regional Vape Sales Bans from September 2026
Russia’s Ministry of Finance (Минфин) has drafted amendments to an existing licensing bill that would grant regional authorities the power to ban retail sales of vapes and nicotine liquids from September 1, 2026, to September 1, 2031, RBC reported. Stores violating the ban would lose their tobacco retail licenses.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report|With Charlie’s US Line Online, the US-Filled Vape Supply Chain Model Enters a New Phase
Special Report|With Charlie’s US Line Online, the US-Filled Vape Supply Chain Model Enters a New Phase
Charlie’s Holdings has activated its first US-based manufacturing and filling line, enabling the company’s Pachamama 25K vape series to meet Texas’ new domestic manufacturing requirements. As state-level rules tighten, the move signals a broader industry shift toward US-filled supply chains and marks an inflection point for brands historically reliant on China-based prefilled production.
Industry Insight
Dec.02
BAT Subsidiary Warns of Surge in Illegal Nicotine Pouches in Canada, Calls for Unified Regulatory Framework
BAT Subsidiary Warns of Surge in Illegal Nicotine Pouches in Canada, Calls for Unified Regulatory Framework
Imperial Tobacco Canada, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, has urged the federal government to respond to the spread of illegal nicotine pouches by allowing approved products to be sold through a wider range of adult retail channels. The company is also calling for stronger retail inspections, enhanced digital tracking, and closer coordination among provinces to build a consistent regulatory framework and restore the accessibility of the legal market.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico’s Congress Prepares Total Ban on Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Congress Prepares Total Ban on Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies is preparing to vote on several major bills before the end of the legislative session, including a full ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. The proposed reform to the General Health Law would prohibit the manufacturing, sale, import, and export of these products, imposing penalties of up to eight years in prison and fines exceeding 200,000 pesos (approximately USD 11,000). L
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Authorities in Astana’s Baikonur District have intensified enforcement against illegal smokeless tobacco and related products in 2025. Police conducted 59 inspection raids, identifying 63 cases of illegal sales of smokeless tobacco (nasvay). Total fines imposed reached KZT 3,096,450(approximately USD 5,880). Officials said inspections and preventive outreach will continue.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Polish Government to Amend E-Cigarette Definitions, Applying  PLN 40 Excise Tax to Magnetic-attachment Devices
Polish Government to Amend E-Cigarette Definitions, Applying PLN 40 Excise Tax to Magnetic-attachment Devices
Poland plans to amend its excise tax regulations on e-cigarettes to address a loophole created by the emergence of electromagnetic iMagnetic-attachment devices in 2025. Under the proposal, products incorporating ferromagnetic components will be classified as e-cigarettes and subject to an excise tax of PLN 40 (about USD 11.2) per unit. The revised rules are expected to take effect 14 days after promulgation.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai