U.S. Congress Urges Trump Administration to Crack Down on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales

Mar.25
U.S. Congress Urges Trump Administration to Crack Down on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales
Three American congressmen urge Trump administration to crackdown on illegal e-cigarette sales, citing public health concerns and youth usage rise.

Key points:

  • Three American congressmen have written to the relevant ministers, urging the Trump administration to step up efforts to crack down on illegal e-cigarette sales.
  • The letter pointed out that illegal e-cigarette products make up more than half of e-cigarette sales in the United States, imported through deceptive shipping methods, which undermines public health and significantly increases the number of young people using them.
  • Lawmakers believe that the existing task force is an important step, but more enforcement measures, including confiscating illegal products, are needed to effectively curb the distribution and sale of illegal e-cigarettes.

According to a report from CSP Daily News on March 24th, three American congressmen are urging the Trump administration to increase efforts to crack down on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes.

 

U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson, Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar, and member Raja Krishnamoorthi sent a letter on Thursday (20th) to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Sarah Brenner, urging the Trump administration to take action to curb the influx of unauthorized e-cigarettes into the U.S. market.

 

The letter stated that,

 

“The large-scale smuggling of these illicit vaping products —accounting for more than half of all vapes sold in the United States—undermines American public health priorities and contributes to a significant increase in youth vaping."

 

The letter also mentioned that these unauthorized products are usually imported through deceptive means, violating US trade laws.

 

In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and FDA established a federal multi-agency task force to combat the illegal distribution and sale of e-cigarettes. The congressmen described the task force in a letter as an "important" step forward, but said more measures are needed.

 

“It is time to go even further and utilize all enforcement tools at our disposal. Seizing these products is also an essential step, which currently occurs far too infrequently.”

 

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

Trump Signs H.R.5371: FDA to Deploy $200 Million for ENDS Enforcement
Trump Signs H.R.5371: FDA to Deploy $200 Million for ENDS Enforcement
President Donald Trump signed the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R.5371) on November 12, Section 772 of Part B—the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (S.2256)—requires the FDA to allocate no less than $200 million in tobacco user fees to enforce regulations against illegal e-cigarettes, vapes, and other ENDS products. At least $2 million of this funding supports a federal multi-agency task force targeting products originating from the China.
Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine DOH Calls for Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Surging Youth Use
Philippine DOH Calls for Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Surging Youth Use
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has warned that youth vaping has reached alarming levels. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa stressed that despite regulations limiting vaping to adults aged 18 and above, minors—many in school uniforms—are frequently seen using vape devices. Criticizing the industry’s youth-targeted marketing tactics, Herbosa said the government should consider a nationwide total ban on vape products.
Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire and IKE Tech Welcome FDA Enforcement Boost, Highlight Need for Tech-Based Controls
Ispire and IKE Tech Welcome FDA Enforcement Boost, Highlight Need for Tech-Based Controls
Ispire Technology and IKE Tech issued statements after the U.S. FDA received Congressional funding and directives to strengthen enforcement against illicit vaping products. The companies emphasized updated guidance, multi-agency coordination and the role of blockchain and age-verification technologies in preventing illegal imports and protecting youth.
Nov.20
BAT accused of “utter hypocrisy” over efforts to dilute Zambia’s tobacco bill
BAT accused of “utter hypocrisy” over efforts to dilute Zambia’s tobacco bill
The Guardian reports that British American Tobacco urged Zambian ministers to drop or delay ad and sponsorship bans and to soften a draft tobacco bill by shrinking health warnings, easing flavour restrictions and lowering penalties. Critics said the stance is hypocritical given similar rules apply in the UK.
Nov.13
Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock
Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock
As Russia’s federal vape policy stalls, regional governors are racing to implement local bans—now with the backing of President Vladimir Putin. The divide between swift local action and delayed national legislation is fueling debate over health, regulation, and the country’s broader approach to nicotine control.
Oct.28
Philip Morris International to Boost Investment in the Philippines, Aiming to Make It a Smoke-Free Products Export Hub
Philip Morris International to Boost Investment in the Philippines, Aiming to Make It a Smoke-Free Products Export Hub
PMI to make the Philippines a smoke-free export hub, citing strong regulation; upgrading local plants, expanding affordable supply; $14bn invested globally.
Oct.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai