Sen. Cotton to FDA: How Will You Stop Chinese Illegal Vapes?

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., asked the FDA when illegal nicotine vaping devices will disappear from U.S. store shelves, and what additional authorities they need to curb the distribution of these products.

He noted that the FDA seized 2.1 million vapes in September in seven states, and that FDA and CBP seized $86.5 million worth of vapes, 4.7 million units, that were attempted to be imported by 37 companies. That was the largest-ever enforcement action of its kind.

"While FDA's actions show progress, more must be done," he wrote.

Cotton, who publicized the letter Nov. 5, said the FDA needs to authorize more e-cigarettes. "Only when adult consumers have legal, regulated, and satisfactory alternatives available in the American marketplace will the market demand for illicit Chinese products disappear," he wrote.