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

Exclusive: Suspected ‘Backend Update Then Withdrawal’ Suggests Glas May Be Next FDA-Authorized E-Cigarette Brand After Juul
Exclusive: Suspected ‘Backend Update Then Withdrawal’ Suggests Glas May Be Next FDA-Authorized E-Cigarette Brand After Juul
An exclusive 2Firsts investigation found an unpublished FDA update on e-cigarette marketing authorizations that mirrors market speculation, suggesting Glas’s application may have cleared internal review, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Regulations
Dec.21
2Firsts Observation|PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI Limited Edition at Dubai Airport
2Firsts Observation|PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI Limited Edition at Dubai Airport
2Firsts observed that Philip Morris International (PMI) has set up a large-scale IQOS display at Dubai International Airport’s duty-free area, featuring the TEREA tobacco stick series with promotional offers. The brand also showcased its limited-edition collaboration with Italian design house SELETTI — IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI — further strengthening its premium image through artistic design.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | FLONQ Parent Company Launches New Vaping Brand ROQY: Two Hybrid-Nicotine Devices Debut in Russia
Product | FLONQ Parent Company Launches New Vaping Brand ROQY: Two Hybrid-Nicotine Devices Debut in Russia
Alfabet Labs, the parent company of FLONQ, has recently launched its new vaping brand ROQY in Russia, debuting two products: ROQY L and ROQY M. Both devices use a hybrid nicotine formulation combining nicotine salts and freebase nicotine and are each available in 19 flavors. The two products are now on sale via the official ROQY website as well as multiple online and offline retailers across Russia.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International Opens IQOS Flagship Boutique in the Philippines, Featuring an IQOS Scent Experience Zone
Philip Morris International Opens IQOS Flagship Boutique in the Philippines, Featuring an IQOS Scent Experience Zone
PMFTC, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), opened an IQOS flagship boutique on December 19 in the Ayala business district of Makati City, the Philippines. Positioned as a multi-sensory, immersive retail space, the store is designed for legal-aged nicotine users. It features the Philippines’ first IQOS Scent Experience zone and also showcases the upcoming IQOS x ISABEL collaboration.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JUUL Files ITC Complaint over Vaporizer Device Infringement
JUUL Files ITC Complaint over Vaporizer Device Infringement
The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted a Section 337 investigation following a complaint filed by JUUL Labs, Inc. and VMR Products LLC. The complaint alleges that certain vaporizer devices, cartridges and related components infringe two U.S. patents. The investigation covers importation, sale for importation and post-importation sales in the United States, with the complainants seeking a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kenya Court of Appeal Halts BBC Defamation Case Linked to BAT Bribery Documentary
Kenya Court of Appeal Halts BBC Defamation Case Linked to BAT Bribery Documentary
Kenya’s Court of Appeal has paused the defamation proceedings filed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula against the BBC. The case centers on a 2015 BBC documentary, Panorama: The Secret Bribes of Big Tobacco, which alleged that Wetang’ula received unlawful benefits from British American Tobacco (BAT) during his tenure as a senator.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai