Vaping products with colorful and enticing flavors like Banana Taffy and Dragon Drink are making their way into the U.S. illegally from China, despite being banned since 2020. This trend was on full display at the Alternative Products Expo in Nashville, Tennessee, where vendors showcased a variety of eye-catching vape devices. Some of these vapes even include features like LED screens and the ability to mix multiple flavors.
While American companies like JUUL are limited to selling only menthol and tobacco flavors, many wholesalers at the expo were openly promoting illegal vape products imported from China. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been trying to curb this influx, sending warning letters and threatening seizures, but these measures seem to have little effect.
One of the companies, Kangvape, had its TC8000 vape prominently featured at the expo, with flavors like Cool Mint and Watermelon Ice. They also offered a Speedy Beast vape with even more exotic flavors that do not include tobacco or menthol. Despite previous FDA warnings about these products, Kangvape continued to sell them without concern.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that around 85% of vaping products in stores are illegal. He noted that the agency is unsure of what ingredients are in many of these products, raising concerns about safety, especially for young users.
The FDA has seized millions of dollars’ worth of illegal vaping products, including a significant haul of Geek Bar vapes earlier this year. Despite these efforts, companies like Kangvape continue to thrive, selling numerous boxes of their products at the expo.
Safa Goods, another wholesaler, was a sponsor of the expo and has faced legal challenges for distributing flavored vapes that appeal to children. Their booth featured several illegal brands, including Raz LTX, which has also been cited in FDA warnings. The bright colors and candy-like flavors of these vapes are particularly concerning, as they attract younger audiences.
The expo was not just about vapes; it also showcased a range of alternative products, including CBD and Kratom. However, the focus on flavored vapes raises alarm bells about youth access to these products.
Many of these vapes are smuggled into the U.S., often disguised as harmless items like battery chargers. Makary expressed frustration with the current enforcement measures, stating that the FDA will intensify its efforts to confiscate illegal products.
The situation highlights a growing challenge in regulating the vaping industry and protecting young people from potentially harmful products. As the market for flavored vapes continues to expand, the FDA faces an uphill battle in ensuring compliance and safety.
