Sioux Empire Today

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson of South Dakota has urged the Trump Administration to address the rising influx of unauthorized Chinese-made e-cigarettes and vapes in the American market. Johnson, along with other members of Congress, expressed concern over the impact of these products on public health, particularly among minors.

In a letter to the administration, the members wrote, “The large-scale smuggling of these illicit vaping products – accounting for more than half of all vapes sold in the U.S. – undermines American public health priorities and contributes to a significant increase in youth vaping.” They highlighted that these unapproved products not only pose health risks but also violate U.S. trade laws due to deceptive shipping practices.

The members further claimed that the "Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is fueling this crisis," pointing to tactics such as mislabeling shipments and evading customs. They noted the apparent contradiction in the CCP's actions, banning flavored e-cigarettes domestically while exporting them abroad. They questioned this practice, suggesting it shows a deliberate intent to ignore a section of America's public health concerns.

The letter was directed to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Food and Drug Administration Acting Commissioner Sara Brenner. It was endorsed by Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Earlier this year, over 628,000 illegal e-cigarettes from China were seized by U.S. authorities, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and the FDA. Out of more than 9,000 types of e-cigarettes available in the U.S., only 34 have received FDA approval. China's vaping industry is valued at $28 billion, with the U.S. accounting for almost 60% of its exports, according to the Associated Press. Rising youth vaping is associated with nicotine addiction and potential brain development harm.