FRF warns consumers about illegal, potentially deadly vaping products

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More illegal, potentially dangerous vapes are landing in Florida than anywhere else in the country, according to new data highlighted by the Florida Retail Federation (FRF).

The volume of illegal nicotine dispensing devices, also known as vaping products, comes as Florida — the third largest state by population — sits at No. 1 in vape sales.

Data collected by vape manufacturers shows an expected $363 million in illegal vape products will be sold within Florida this year — 20% above the national average — accounting for as much as 58% of overall vape product sales. Five years ago, illicit vapes accounted for less than 10% of vape products sold.

Nationally, illegal disposables are selling at an annual rate of more than $2.6 billion in tracked channels, but estimates suggest it could easily be twice that amount when factoring in the untracked market.

According to the data, the epicenter of the illicit vape trade is Shenzhen, China, which is known as the country’s “vaping district.” In Fiscal Year 2019 alone, 83% of all U.S. seizures involving IP-infringing vaping products imported into the country had originated from China or Hong Kong.

In May, the federal Food and Drug Administration added two new manufacturers to their banned “Red List” of illicit products: Elf Bar (or EB Design) and Esco Bar. The “Red List” designation enables Customs and Border Protection to detain a product at the time of entry to prevent illegal products from being distributed within the country.

However, federal U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are overwhelmed with refugees crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, which has allowed a precipitous drop in seizures of illicit, copyright-infringing vaping devices at U.S. Ports of Entry.

FRF warned that illegal vaping products not only threaten legitimate businesses but may also pose a danger to consumers.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody recently warned in a consumer alert video that some illegal vapes possibly contain fentanyl — the opioid responsible for the preponderance of overdose deaths in Florida and elsewhere — and other toxic, potentially deadly substances.

“We’re also seeing news stories about high school students suffering from complications after using vapes that might contain fentanyl,” Moody warned, adding that “any substance sold on the black market could contain fentanyl” and that “using just one time can kill.”