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

Sesh Launches 200-Pouch Refill Bag, Expanding Retail Unit Size in U.S. Nicotine Pouch Market
Sesh Launches 200-Pouch Refill Bag, Expanding Retail Unit Size in U.S. Nicotine Pouch Market
According to a LinkedIn post published by Sesh CMO Josh Metz on February 25, 2026, Sesh Products has introduced a 200-pouch nicotine pouch refill bag sold with a reusable metal can. In a U.S. MO market dominated by 20-pouch plastic cans, the product offers a larger retail unit size. The company lists a standard price of USD 49.99, with a uniform 15% discount currently applied, bringing the price to USD 42.49.
Innovation
Feb.25
Over 160 organizations urge Formula 1 to end all tobacco sponsorships, including nicotine pouches
Over 160 organizations urge Formula 1 to end all tobacco sponsorships, including nicotine pouches
On March 4, 2026, more than 160 public interest organizations worldwide sent a letter to Formula 1 urging it to expand its 2006 prohibition on cigarette sponsorships to include nicotine pouches and other tobacco products. The letter states that Philip Morris International sponsors Ferrari to promote ZYN pouches, while British American Tobacco sponsors McLaren with its Velo brand, with logos displayed on cars and drivers’ race suits and promoted on social media.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Outlines Manufacturing Requirements as Critical to ENDS PMTA Success
FDA Outlines Manufacturing Requirements as Critical to ENDS PMTA Success
FDA officials said manufacturing consistency is a core prerequisite for ENDS PMTA reviews, not a procedural formality. During its February 10, 2026 roundtable, the agency outlined expectations for quality management systems, manufacturing documentation, nicotine control, stability studies, and risk mitigation, emphasizing that robust manufacturing evidence underpins determinations of whether products are appropriate for the protection of public health.
Feb.11
Japan Tobacco International Malaysia Appoints Didier Ellena as Managing Director; Predecessor Reassigned to North Asia Role
Japan Tobacco International Malaysia Appoints Didier Ellena as Managing Director; Predecessor Reassigned to North Asia Role
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Malaysia has appointed Didier Ellena as managing director, effective Jan 5. Ellena has spent more than 30 years with JTI and has held leadership roles across multiple countries and regions. His predecessor, Juliana Mohd Yahaya, will become vice president of sales and marketing for JTI North Asia.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI’s Japan unit to raise IQOS ILUMA stick prices; TEREA and SENTIA to increase from April
PMI’s Japan unit to raise IQOS ILUMA stick prices; TEREA and SENTIA to increase from April
Japan will adjust tobacco taxes from April 1, 2026, prompting Philip Morris International (PMI) to lift prices for its IQOS ILUMA tobacco sticks TEREA and SENTIA. Both products are set to rise by 40 yen per pack (about $0.3).
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
SICPA Secures Five-Year UK Vape Tax Stamp Contract
SICPA Secures Five-Year UK Vape Tax Stamp Contract
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has awarded a five-year contract to Swiss technology company SICPA and Cartor Security Printers to implement the United Kingdom’s new vaping duty stamp and track-and-trace system, beginning in April 2026.
Market
Feb.24