Law Enforcement Unit Is Formed to Crack Down on Illegal E-Cigarettes
What specific actions will the multi-agency coalition take to combat the illegal e-cigarette market?
The multi-agency coalition, including the Justice Department, the Food and Drug Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. Postal Service, will target the illegal e-cigarette market by focusing on fruit- and candy-flavored vapes containing high levels of addictive nicotine. The coalition will utilize federal laws to impose significant fines and jail terms as a part of their enforcement efforts. Previously, enforcement actions primarily involved warning letters and limited penalties issued by the F.D.A. to vendors such as gas stations and convenience store owners, instructing them to stop selling the products.
Which agencies are included in the new coalition formed to address the issue of illegal vaping products?
The new coalition formed to address the issue of illegal vaping products includes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Federal Trade Commission; and the U.S. Postal Service. These agencies will work together to tackle the unruly market of illegal e-cigarettes, with a focus on fruit- and candy-flavored vapes containing high levels of addictive nicotine5.
What prompted the formation of this coalition to tackle the illegal e-cigarette market?
The formation of the multi-agency coalition to tackle the illegal e-cigarette market was prompted by pressure from antismoking groups, lawmakers, and the tobacco industry. They urged federal authorities to stop the flood of vaping devices, particularly fruit- and candy-flavored vapes containing high levels of addictive nicotine, which are favored by adolescents. The coalition aims to address the health risks posed by unauthorized e-cigarettes and vaping products, especially to children and adolescents1.