WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced Wednesday the largest-ever federal seizure of unauthorized e-cigarettes.

Authorities confiscated 4.7 million units valued at an estimated $86.5 million during a joint operation in Chicago. According to federal officials, nearly all of the shipments originated from China and were disguised with vague product descriptions and false values to evade review and import duties.

“We will never allow foreign actors to threaten the health of America’s children,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., crediting the enforcement action to support from President Trump and Attorney General Bondi. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary added that unapproved e-cigarette products entering the U.S. pose serious health risks, particularly to youth.

The seizures are part of a broader federal crackdown on youth vaping. Recent FDA strategies include ending “port shopping,” targeting illegal distribution networks, educating parents, and partnering with retailers to stop sales of unauthorized products.

So far this year, FDA and CBP have intercepted more than six million unauthorized e-cigarettes worth over $120 million nationwide. All products seized lacked the mandatory FDA premarket authorization, making them illegal to market or sell in the U.S. Currently, the FDA has authorized just 39 e-cigarette products for legal sale.

As part of the enforcement action, the FDA also contacted 37 importers and entry filers, warning them that providing false information to the U.S. government is a federal crime. The companies were reminded of their obligation to ensure products comply with U.S. law and were given 30 days to respond to the agency.