FDA Files Civil Money Penalty Complaints Against Retailers for Illegally Selling E-Cigarette Products

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken decisive action against retailers involved in the unlawful sale of unauthorized e-cigarette products. This move, announced on December 5, 2023, consists of filing civil money penalty (CMP) complaints against 25 retailers, encompassing brick-and-mortar establishments and online sellers. The violations in question pertain to the unauthorized distribution of Elf Bar, EB Design, and other e-cigarette items.

A Persistent Issue

Before this punitive action, the FDA had already issued warning letters to each targeted retailer, urging them to cease the sale of unauthorized tobacco products. Regrettably, subsequent inspections by the FDA revealed that these retailers had not rectified the violations, necessitating the initiation of CMP actions.

Youth Appeal of E-Cigarette Products

The e-cigarette products at the center of these complaints have gained significant popularity, particularly among the youth demographic. Disturbingly, the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey exposed the alarming fact that Elf Bar had become the preferred brand among middle and high school students who admitted to using e-cigarettes, with a staggering 56.7% prevalence.

Penalties Sought

In light of these infractions, the FDA seeks to impose the maximum civil money penalty, which amounts to $19,192 per violation, against each retailer involved. The affected retailers have several options in response to these complaints. They can either pay the penalty, engage in a settlement agreement based on mitigation factors, request an extension to respond to the complaint, or submit an answer and request a hearing. Retailers who fail to take action within 30 days of receiving the complaint risk a default order that mandates the full penalty amount.

Building Momentum

This latest round of CMPs builds upon previous enforcement actions by the FDA. In September and November of the same year, the FDA sought CMPs of similar magnitude against 42 brick-and-mortar retailers across 18 different states for the sale of unauthorized Elf Bar products. Notably, the current actions include retailers from 14 states and mark the first time online retailers are being held accountable in this context.

A Commitment to Protecting Youth

The FDA is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of the nation’s youth. As of December 5, 2023, the FDA has issued over 400 warning letters to retailers, spanning both physical and online platforms, for their involvement in selling unauthorized tobacco products. In addition to these actions against retailers, the FDA has issued more than 630 warning letters to firms for their illegal activities in manufacturing and distributing unauthorized new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Furthermore, the agency has filed civil money penalty complaints against 36 e-cigarette manufacturers for the unauthorized production of such products. It has taken legal action in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice against seven manufacturers of unauthorized e-cigarette products.

In conclusion, these actions by the FDA underscore its unwavering dedication to curbing the proliferation of unauthorized e-cigarettes, especially those that pose a significant appeal to the youth demographic. The agency remains resolute in its commitment to the cause, sending a clear message to retailers and manufacturers alike that non-compliance will not be tolerated.

Retailers That Received CMP Complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the FDA’s recent actions against retailers?

Following repeated violations despite prior warning letters, the FDA took action against retailers for the illegal sale of unauthorized e-cigarette products, including Elf Bar and EB Design.

What is the significance of the complaints against online retailers in this round of actions? 

This marks the first time online retailers have been included in civil money penalty actions by the FDA, signaling a broadened enforcement approach.

How does the FDA determine the penalty for each retailer? 

The FDA is seeking the maximum civil money penalty of $19,192 for a single violation from each retailer. However, retailers have options to respond and potentially mitigate these penalties.

What is the FDA’s overall goal with these actions? 

The FDA aims to remove unauthorized e-cigarettes, especially those popular among youth, from the market to protect public health and deter non-compliant retailers and manufacturers.