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

Regulations by { "type": "", "title": "", "logo": "", "description": "", "auth": "", "seo_url": "" }
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

KT&G to Complete New Indonesian Factory, Its Largest Overseas Production Hub
KT&G to Complete New Indonesian Factory, Its Largest Overseas Production Hub
According to Daily Hankooki, KT&G’s new factory in Indonesia will be completed this month and is scheduled to begin operations in February 2026. Once operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of around 35 billion cigarettes, becoming the company’s largest overseas manufacturing base.
Nov.12 by { "username": "", "position": "", "avatar": "", "auth": "", "seo_url": "" }
Cambodia MoT warns: Businesses using vaping and shisha  will have their operating licences revoked
Cambodia MoT warns: Businesses using vaping and shisha will have their operating licences revoked
Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has issued a new directive prohibiting all tourism service establishments from possessing, selling, importing, storing, or advertising e-cigarettes and shisha-related products. Violators will face written warnings, suspension of operations, or even revocation of their tourism business licenses. The measure is part of a nationwide ban enacted under Sub-Decree No. 02 BB, issued by the Royal Government on October 21.
Nov.21 by { "username": "", "position": "", "avatar": "", "auth": "", "seo_url": "" }
Heaven Gifts’s HNB Brand REJO Launches New Device with Design Strikingly Similar to ELFBAR JOINOne Series
Heaven Gifts’s HNB Brand REJO Launches New Device with Design Strikingly Similar to ELFBAR JOINOne Series
Miracle’s heated tobacco brand REJO has launched its new device REJO CUBE in Dubai. The device’s industrial design is highly similar to the ELFBAR JOINOne series, featuring a left-right magnetic structure and side-mounted screen. Positioning the Middle East as a key market, REJO is moving ahead with local team building and entity setup in the region.
Nov.14 by { "username": "", "position": "", "avatar": "", "auth": "", "seo_url": "" }
South Korea’s National Assembly Passes Law Classifying E-Cigarettes as Tobacco Products with Full Equivalent Regulation
South Korea’s National Assembly Passes Law Classifying E-Cigarettes as Tobacco Products with Full Equivalent Regulation
South Korea’s National Assembly recently passed a comprehensive package of 79 bills that, among other measures, formally classifies liquid vapes — e-cigarette products using nicotine-containing e-liquids — as tobacco products. These products will now be subject to the same taxation, sales restrictions and advertising controls as traditional cigarettes, and the vaping industry in South Korea is expected to face significant adjustments in compliance costs, market access and business strategy.
Dec.03 by { "username": "", "position": "", "avatar": "", "auth": "", "seo_url": "" }
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 { "username": "", "position": "", "avatar": "", "auth": "", "seo_url": "" }
Denmark Proposes Sharper Tax Hike: Heated Tobacco Up 132%, Nicotine Pouches Facing 1,000% Increase
Denmark Proposes Sharper Tax Hike: Heated Tobacco Up 132%, Nicotine Pouches Facing 1,000% Increase
According to foreign media, the European Union will examine a strengthened Danish proposal to amend the Tobacco Excise Directive. The plan introduces sharper tax increases on heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and other products. Despite overwhelming public opposition in earlier consultations, the revision continues to move forward, raising concerns about supply chain impacts and potential growth in illicit trade.
Dec.04 by { "username": "", "position": "", "avatar": "", "auth": "", "seo_url": "" }