FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary is sounding the alarm over the rise of illegal vaping products from China that are designed to appeal to children and teenagers.
In an interview with ABC News, Makary criticized the lack of urgency in addressing the issue, calling it “laughable.” He said that cracking down on illegal e-cigarettes is now a “top priority” for the FDA.
Many of the illicit products are disguised to avoid detection by parents and teachers, including vapes disguised as backpacks, smartphone cases, or video game consoles.
“There is no approved vaping product in the United States that has a video game,” Makary explained. “There is not an approved vaping product in the United States that has one of these cutie fruity flavors.”
According to US Customs and Border Protection, around 2 million illegal vapes valued at nearly $34 million were seized last month alone. In the first half of 2025, CBP has intercepted $60.3 million worth of unauthorized vaping devices.
“We’re concerned about these vape shops that are popping up on every corner in America,” Makary said. “Parents are not aware of what’s being sold there.”
The FDA has officially authorized just 39 vaping products for sale in the US, all limited to menthol or tobacco flavors. Makary said the agency has sent 800 warning letters to retailers and distributors selling unauthorized items.
“Eighty-five percent of the vaping products sold in the vape stores are illegal according to the FDA’s list,” he said. “We don’t even know what’s in some of these [illegal] vaping products.”
