Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII) Consumer Safety Officers Stop Dangerous Products from Reaching Our Youth
By Kim Prenter
Keeping illicit and harmful e-cigarette products out of the hands of our young people is a top priority for FDA's Office of Inspections and Investigations. Its consumer safety officers, along with DOJ, US Marshals, and CBP, recently wrapped up back-to-back operations at various U.S. ports culminating in the seizure of over 94 million dollars worth of illegal e-cigarette products.
The first operation, in December 2023, seized approximately 1.4 million units of unauthorized e-cigarettes, worth more than $18 million, at Los Angeles International Airport. A second operation in 2024 (in Chicago) led to the seizure of additional unapproved products, including those valued at $76 million. These actions underscore the FDA’s commitment to stopping illegal products that pose serious health risks to youth. OII’s Office of Import Operations (OIO), in collaboration with CBP, will continue to crack down on such illegal imports, intercepting millions of unapproved e-cigarette products, and protecting communities across the country.
The Threat to Youth and Public Health
and trendy candy inspired flavors to attract youth.
Illicit e-cigarettes, unapproved medications, and counterfeit goods put young people’s health at risk and are often marketed to appeal to them. OII's teams are also all too familiar with the devious tactics often employed to get such unauthorized goods into the country. As part of the recent joint operation OII safety officers discovered e-cigarette products being disguised as video games and other everyday items making them harder to detect at ports and borders. Additionally, manufacturers use vibrant colors and eye-catching packaging to attract younger consumers and tempt them with candy- and dessert-inspired flavors. These products may contain dangerously high levels of nicotine or unknown chemicals that can be detrimental to adolescents’ physical health and cognitive development. Although youth use of e-cig products is down (1.63 million youth in 2024 report using e-cigarettes compared to 2.13 million youth in 2023) -OIO remains committed to further reducing tobacco’s health toll on all Americans.
Protecting Public Health at the Border
OIO plays a vital role within the FDA by using risk-based approaches, advanced technologies, and traditional on-the-ground inspections to keep harmful and unapproved products from reaching the United States. The team’s dedication to public safety is clear in the high-profile seizures they’ve conducted, including over 4.4 million units of unauthorized e-cigarettes removed from circulation in 2023 and 2024. Each interception not only keeps dangerous products out of the marketplace and away from children and young adults, but it also reinforces accountability among manufacturers and can lead to formal investigations into criminal actors.
The Power of Collaboration with CBP
OIO’s partnership with CBP is key to ensuring high-risk shipments don’t slip through the cracks. Through joint operations and shared resources and expertise, these agencies work to stop harmful products before they enter the marketplace. In the recent operation, OIO and CBP intercepted multiple shipments of illicit e-cigarettes disguised to look like video game devices, a tactic aimed at misleading regulators.
“We’ve got each other’s backs,” said Consumer Safety Officer Jessica Diliberti. “When you’re dealing with products from all over the world, you see firsthand the impact of what we do. Stopping one shipment could mean saving a lot of lives.”
Holding Companies Accountable
In addition to border inspections, OII also takes action against companies that ignore regulatory requirements for e-cigarettes. In collaboration with the DOJ, OII recently obtained injunctions against six companies that continued to produce and sell illegal products despite warnings. This legal action, combined with OIO’s border work, demonstrates a robust commitment to keeping harmful e-cigarettes out of young people’s hands.
Looking Ahead
The FDA, OII, and OIO remain steadfast in their mission. By strengthening partnerships, leveraging new technologies, and enforcing regulatory measures, they are positioned to continue making a significant impact on public health and safety. The goal is clear: keep harmful products out of reach of young people and safeguard the broader community.
As health risks to youth continue to evolve, so does the dedication of OIO’s team. Their collaboration with CBP and unwavering focus on public health is helping to create a safer future for everyone. Through their ongoing commitment, they’re not just enforcing regulations—they’re making a real difference for the next generation.
