Flavored, Addictive, and Hidden: The Rise of Illicit Vapes in America

Federal officials are cracking down on a surge of illicit vape products flooding U.S. markets, many of which are designed to target teens while evading parental detection.

An ABC News investigation found that these devices are most often imported from China. They use disguises like backpacks, smartphone cases, highlighters and even handheld gaming consoles. Hidden compartments, LED lights, and Bluetooth connectivity allow teens to vape undetected at school while hiding it from parents and teachers.

Bypassing federal regulations, dodging taxes, and putting unvetted products directly into the hands of our kids – these illicit Chinese vapes are flooding convenience stores, online marketplaces, and even schools, with virtually no oversight.

The illicit vaping industry reportedly sold an estimated 240 million illegal devices in the U.S. in 2024 ABC News reported. Nearly two-thirds of China’s vape exports are headed directly for the American market. Federal authorities, including CBP, are treating these smuggled products as an international threat.

In the first half of 2025 alone, CBP sized illegal vapes worth over $60 million. These products are packed with high levels of nicotine that far exceed FDA regulations. As they continue to slip into the hands of teens, the risk of addiction and harm to our youth continues to grow.  

It’s time for lawmakers to crack down on the flood of illegal Chinese vapes targeting our kids and slipping past federal oversight.