PRESS RELEASE: Regulate Smarter Commends Trump Administration’s “Operation Red Mist”

Massive federal crackdown on illicit vapes — especially Chinese products targeting kids — hailed as critical step for protecting consumers and combatting the illicit nicotine product crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Richard Burr, chairman of the Coalition for Smarter Regulation of Nicotine (Regulate Smarter) and former U.S. Senator, praised U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) seizure of more than 18 million units of illicit electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as part of a targeted initiative called Operation Red Mist:

“We commend the Trump Administration’s coordinated interagency enforcement that stopped millions of illicit nicotine products from reaching our streets and store shelves. After years of inaction under the previous administration, sustained federal crackdowns against illicit products— especially illegal Chinese vapes designed like toys or games and deliberately targeting underage users – is essential in protecting Americans. In addition to aggressively enforcing the law against bad actors, more innovative and legal alternatives must be authorized for adults seeking less harmful, smoke-free products.”

In addition to CBP, Operation Red Mist is a collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In April, Regulate Smarter submitted comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) outlining four specific recommendations to account for the multi-billion-dollar illicit flavored vapor market built, supplied, and sustained by Chinese illicit manufacturers since 2020.