Fox Business Take on the Explosion of Illicit Vapes from China

A recent Fox Business segment warned viewers about Chinese-made illicit vape products that are flooding U.S. markets, and the explosion of vape stores, which are an emerging danger to communities across America. The story led with the disturbing statistic that 85 percent of e-cigarettes sold in the U.S. are unauthorized, according to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. 

Former Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), who serves as Chairman of the Coalition for Smarter Regulation of Nicotine, blames the surge in illicit vapes on the Biden Administration’s failure to enforce this dangerous product that found its way to store shelves and the American people, and failed to approve safer, alternative options. 

When asked what the smart enforcement play is moving forward, Burr said, “Let’s actually enforce the illicit and illegal product, let’s stop it at the border and make sure it doesn’t find retail shelves.” He also addressed the importance of cleaning up the backlog and either approving or rejecting pending applications, so we have less harmful alternatives. Burr commended the Trump Administration for recognizing and addressing this problem. 

Following a recent enforcement action that seized nearly $34 million worth of illegal e-cigarette products, almost all of which originated in China, CUSP applauded Commissioner Makary’s commitment to enforcement efforts at the local, state and national level. CUSP has also been working with mayors and local law enforcement officials to better understand the danger posed by these dangerous products and the vape shops that sell them, and how they can be part of the enforcement effort.