Montgomery, AL – Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of 27 states calling on the Trump Administration to take further action to combat the influx of illegal Chinese-manufactured e-cigarettes into the United States. The coalition expressed concerns over the products’ appeal to youth and the failure of many of these items to comply with U.S. federal regulations.
The multistate effort, led by Iowa, highlights the growing presence of unauthorized e-cigarettes entering the U.S. market without approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products often feature colorful packaging, sweet flavors, and video game themes, which officials say are designed to attract teenagers and children.
“Despite youth tobacco use being at a record low, most children who report using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days are using illegally smuggled, Chinese-made products,” according to the coalition’s letter. The group is urging the administration to prioritize efforts to block these products from reaching American consumers.
The coalition’s recommendations include:
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Directing a federal multi-agency task force to target the sale and distribution of illegal e-cigarettes;
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Granting Customs and Border Protection greater authority to seize illicit tobacco products;
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Increasing prosecutions and penalties for those involved in the import or sale of unapproved e-cigarettes;
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Enhancing enforcement measures at the U.S. border.
State attorneys general argue that many Chinese e-cigarette manufacturers fail to undergo FDA review, often mislabel their products to avoid detection, and bypass customs inspections. These practices, they assert, create health risks due to the unknown ingredients contained in the unregulated products.
Marshall and the other attorneys general expressed support for a continuation and expansion of enforcement efforts begun under former President Donald Trump, citing previous actions aimed at reducing the influx of illegal vaping products. The letter criticizes the current federal approach, claiming that enforcement has weakened in recent years.
In addition to Alabama and Iowa, states signing the letter include Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the territory of Guam.
The coalition says it stands ready to work with federal agencies to strengthen oversight and reduce the availability of unauthorized vaping products in the U.S.
