Washington, D.C. – October 30, 2024 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it has issued warning letters to nine online retailers and one manufacturer for the illegal sale and distribution of disposable e-cigarettes designed to mimic smart technology products such as smartphones and gaming devices. The products, marketed with youth-appealing features like gaming capabilities, smartphone connectivity, music play, and customizable wallpapers, violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by lacking required FDA authorization.
“These products may resemble smart devices, but there’s nothing smart about them,” said Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “They’re illegal to sell and a flagrant attempt to target kids.”
The FDA’s warning letters targeted six e-cigarette brands, including FUME, Craftbox, North Vape, Posh, Halo Vapor, and Swype. The specific products cited include:
- WeFume Vape 30K Disposable Vape
- Craftbox V-Touch 30K Puff Smart Disposable Vape
- CraftBox V-Play 20K Puffs Disposable Vape
- South Connect 35K Bluetooth Disposable Vape
- Posh Xtron 30000 Disposable Vape
- Halo Vapor Synix 30K Disposable Vape
- Swype 30K Disposable Vape
These products’ design and functionality allow them to be easily disguised as common electronic devices, posing a significant risk to youth and complicating detection by parents, teachers, and other adults.
The FDA’s letters emphasize that selling and distributing these unauthorized e-cigarettes is a violation of federal law. The retailers and manufacturers involved have been instructed to address all violations, both specific and related, and promptly ensure compliance. The FDA warns that failure to correct these violations may lead to severe enforcement actions, including injunctions, product seizures, and civil penalties.
“FDA is steadfast in our commitment to enforce the law,” stated John Verbeten, director of the CTP’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement. “We will continue to take appropriate measures, working hand in hand with our federal enforcement partners, to address unauthorized tobacco products, especially those most appealing to youth.”
This enforcement action reflects the FDA’s ongoing campaign to remove unauthorized e-cigarette products from the market, particularly those that target young consumers. Since its inception, the FDA has issued over 700 warning letters to firms producing unauthorized tobacco products and more than 690 warning letters to retailers. In addition, it has pursued civil penalties against numerous manufacturers and retailers for similar violations.
As of today, the FDA has only authorized 34 e-cigarette products and devices for lawful marketing and sale in the United States. A list of authorized products is available for retailers to verify compliant products.
