Ongoing Enforcement Against Unauthorized E‑Cigarette Products
On December 5, the FDA issued warning letters to 115 brick-and-mortar retailers for selling unauthorized e-cigarette products. Such brands as Geek Bar Pulse, Geek Bar Skyview, Geek Bar Platinum, and Elf Bar were specified as some of the Chinese manufactured items cited in the letter.
Issued as a part of the FDA’s continuing enforcement efforts, these warnings were intended to identify and crack down on the sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes throughout the United States and its territories.
According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, Geek Bar products account for an alarming 5.8% of current youth e-cigarette use. Further FDA review of surveillance and preliminary data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study has also flagged the brand as appealing to youth.
Violators Face Significant Enforcement Actions
The agency works with states, territories, and third-party entities to conduct compliance inspections at retail locations in accordance with tobacco laws under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. When violators are identified, retailers receive warning letters and must respond within 15 working days outlining the steps they will take to address the violations and prevent recurrence.
Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure, and/or civil money penalty.
