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

Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
More than 2,300 units of vape liquid worth over RM75,000 were seized during an integrated operation at premises in Likas near Kota Kinabalu. During Ops Taring Landai E-Cigarette Mega on Feb 10 night, the Marine Police, Sabah Health Department officials and district police detected a shop displaying 92 types of vape pods and, after further searches, found 2,353 units of vape liquid stored on the premises.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Netherlands plans to raise nicotine purchase age to 21, including vapes
Netherlands plans to raise nicotine purchase age to 21, including vapes
The Netherlands is planning to raise the legal age for buying nicotine-containing products from 18 to 21, a change that would also cover vapes. The move, embedded in the governing coalition’s latest agreement, aligns with a wider European trend toward tighter youth nicotine controls, though industry groups have criticised the proposal and warned it could fuel illicit trade.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI says it submitted evidence to FDA panel backing ZYN bid for modified-risk status
PMI says it submitted evidence to FDA panel backing ZYN bid for modified-risk status
Philip Morris International said it presented scientific evidence to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to support its ZYN nicotine pouches seeking a modified risk tobacco product designation, which would allow the company to communicate to adult smokers that switching completely to ZYN could reduce the risk of multiple smoking-related diseases.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Uzbekistan to impose full ban on nicotine delivery devices from March 1,2026
Uzbekistan to impose full ban on nicotine delivery devices from March 1,2026
Uzbekistan will enforce a total ban on the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems from March 1, covering legal sales, storage and imports. Consumers are offered a legal option to avoid criminal liability by voluntarily handing prohibited devices to law enforcement. The report says imports had already effectively stalled in early 2025, leaving sellers to clear remaining stock.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
West Virginia House passes “Vape Safety Act of 2026,” creating licensing and product directory requirements
West Virginia House passes “Vape Safety Act of 2026,” creating licensing and product directory requirements
West Virginia’s House of Delegates passed the Vape Safety Act of 2026, a proposal to tighten oversight of vape and smoke shops through licensing, fees and enforcement. The bill would establish a state directory requiring vape products sold in West Virginia to have FDA marketing authorization or a pending application under FDA review to be listed, and only directory-listed products could be sold starting Sept. 1, 2026 if enacted.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT’s Product Strategy Reset: A Structural Analysis of Its Post-FY2025 Competitive Architecture
BAT’s Product Strategy Reset: A Structural Analysis of Its Post-FY2025 Competitive Architecture
Drawing on BAT’s FY2025 results and earnings call, 2Firsts finds the company shifting from category expansion to competitive entrenchment across Vapour, Modern Oral, Heated Products and Combustibles. The strategy centers on connected devices, geographic customization and portfolio tiering. While structurally coherent, financial returns depend on consistent regulatory enforcement against illicit competitors, making policy execution a key variable for 2026 performance.
Feb.12