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

Thailand police seize 17,320 disposable vapes valued at over USD 22,330 in Nonthaburi
Thailand police seize 17,320 disposable vapes valued at over USD 22,330 in Nonthaburi
Thai authorities arrested a 31-year-old man in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, on January 20, 2026, and seized 17,320 disposable e-cigarettes and a pickup truck. The seized goods were valued at more than THB 7 million (about USD 223,349.62).
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco to close South Africa cigarette plant by end-2026, citing illicit trade squeezing legal market
British American Tobacco to close South Africa cigarette plant by end-2026, citing illicit trade squeezing legal market
British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) said it will halt local production of factory-made cigarettes and close its manufacturing plant in Heidelberg, Gauteng by the end of 2026, shifting to an import-led supply model. The company said illicit cigarettes now account for about 75% of South Africa’s market, making local manufacturing “unsustainable” and putting around 230 jobs at risk.
Jan.16
Malaysia moves ahead with vape sales ban plan; PMI urges Japan-style differentiated excise taxes
Malaysia moves ahead with vape sales ban plan; PMI urges Japan-style differentiated excise taxes
Malaysia plans to implement a ban or restrictions on e-cigarettes and vaping products as early as mid-2026 and no later than year-end. The head of Philip Morris Malaysia and Singapore said the government should look to Japan’s approach of regulating and taxing different tobacco and nicotine products differently, warning that an outright ban could push demand into illicit channels.
Feb.02
Cambodia: Phnom Penh authorities seize 2,000+ vape devices and arrest two alleged distributors
Cambodia: Phnom Penh authorities seize 2,000+ vape devices and arrest two alleged distributors
Kiripost reports that authorities seized more than 2,000 electronic smoking devices and arrested two alleged distributors in Phnom Penh’s Toul Kork district, prompting health advocates to warn that inconsistent enforcement is undermining Cambodia’s crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes and shisha.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Authorities in Kazakhstan Seize Over 53,000 Illegal Vape Products in Pavlodar
Authorities in Kazakhstan Seize Over 53,000 Illegal Vape Products in Pavlodar
Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency in Pavlodar Region has concluded an investigation into an organised group involved in the illegal sale of vaping products. The group operated through three Telegram-based online shops and used courier delivery services. Authorities seized more than 53,000 items, with a total value exceeding 400 million tenge. The investigation found that students were the primary consumers. Four suspects have been placed in custody and multiple assets have been seized.
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazil’s MPF and Anvisa sign pact to intensify enforcement against vapes
Brazil’s MPF and Anvisa sign pact to intensify enforcement against vapes
Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) and health regulator Anvisa signed a cooperation protocol to strengthen enforcement against electronic smoking devices (DEFs) and expand health-risk awareness campaigns.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai