Chicago Port Tightens Inspections on Vaping Shipments, Source Says Hundreds of Tons Have Been Seized

According to informed sources, the largest port in the United States, Chicago, is tightening inspections on vaping shipments, with hundreds of tons of vaping products seized, possibly related to FDA regulations.

On December 19, an insider in the vaping logistics industry revealed to Two Superior that strict inspections are being conducted on vaping freight forwarders at the Chicago port, with over a hundred tons of vaping products already confiscated.
 

The insider stated that this inspection operation began on December 15 and is still ongoing, with multiple vaping freight forwarding companies being inspected.

Two Superior subsequently consulted a logistics provider involved in vaping shipments in the U.S., who confirmed the situation, stating, "All companies on the FDA import alert list have been affected."
 

It is understood that the import alert list was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 17, involving several Chinese vaping brands. (Related link: Several Chinese vaping companies listed on the FDA's 'import alert' list)
 

Additionally, the FDA announced on December 15 that it had collaborated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to seize approximately 1.4 million unauthorized vaping products at the Los Angeles port, with a total value exceeding $18 million. (Related link: U.S. FDA and Customs seize 1.4 million illegal vapes worth over $18 million)
 

About the Chicago Port:

Previously, Two Superior compiled data on international trade in vaping products from the U.S. International Trade Commission, which indicated the proportion of vaping imports at the country's top five ports. (Related link: U.S. International Trade Commission: In 2022, approximately 400 million vaping products were imported through White Customs, with Chicago being the largest port)

According to statistics, Chicago is the largest distribution port for vaping products in the U.S., with over 50% of vaping products entering the U.S. through Chicago, radiating to the entire Great Lakes region and supplying the eastern and central markets of the U.S.

 2022 U.S. state vaping import proportions | Source: Two Superior (Jiang Mingxi)