CBP-FDA SEIZE 4.7M ILLEGAL VAPES IN CHICAGO—$86.5M HAUL TIED TO CHINA

CBP and FDA seized nearly 4.7 million unauthorized e-cigarette units valued at $86.5 million in a weeklong Chicago operation—the largest such seizure to date. Shipments largely originating from China lacked FDA premarket authorization and showed potential revenue, trademark, and hazmat labeling violations. FDA also contacted 37 importers over potentially false entries and reiterated compliance obligations. The action tracks with recent de minimis enforcement and a short-term surge in CBP–FDA joint operations targeting illicit consumer imports.