Washington, March 17 (NationPress) A coalition of over 70 US legislators has implored the Trump administration to intensify measures against the rising influx of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes in the American marketplace, citing significant threats to public health, national security, and connections to organized crime.

This initiative, spearheaded by Rep. Mike Carey and supported by Rep. Nathaniel Moran, arises amidst ongoing trade negotiations with China. Lawmakers emphasized the necessity of prioritizing this issue in any forthcoming agreements with Beijing.

“These unlawful Chinese vapes represent a danger on multiple levels,” Moran stated. “They harbor harmful concentrations of lead and cancer-causing substances, and are intentionally marketed to captivate our youth using candy flavors and social media influencers.”

He further noted that these products are “available near educational institutions and military installations, sold by foreign individuals,” cautioning that their “intelligent” technology poses risks by potentially transmitting sensitive information directly to the Chinese Communist Party.

In a letter directed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, lawmakers asserted that the United States must “address the persistent abuse of our trade framework” and demand that China takes “substantial steps to mitigate the flow of illegal, youth-targeted e-cigarettes.”

According to lawmakers, Chinese vape exports to the United States exceeded $10 billion in 2025, despite heightened enforcement efforts by US authorities.

“These devices pose a national security threat,” the legislators indicated, citing findings from the Department of Justice that unauthorized vapes are “often smuggled from China and marketed near schools and military bases.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration has also scrutinized vape retailers near military sites, discovering that many are “owned or operated by foreign nationals believed to be intentionally targeting military personnel,” as mentioned in the letter. One investigation led to 20 arrests, including three Chinese nationals.

Lawmakers expressed rising alarm over so-called “smart vapes” that connect to smartphones. These devices “may permit unauthorized access to personal data, cameras, microphones, geolocations, and networks,” the letter cautioned.

“If utilized by military members, sensitive information could be transmitted directly to the Chinese Communist Party under China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law,” it added.

The legislators contended that the issue should be addressed at its origin rather than at US entry points. “It is significantly more effective to obstruct these products from entering the United States from China than to intercept them once they have infiltrated the US domestic supply network,” they wrote.

They also criticized Chinese authorities for not enforcing their own regulations. “This is not merely an administrative oversight; it seems to be a calculated strategy,” the letter remarked, referencing China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration.

Public health concerns are equally alarming. Lawmakers stated that illegal manufacturers “consciously design and promote products to attract young audiences,” employing “candy-flavored cartridges, toy-like designs, and packaging reminiscent of trendy accessories.”

“These unlawful products frequently contain carcinogens, harmful additives, and elevated levels of heavy metals such as lead,” they warned.

The letter also associated the trade with organized crime, citing evidence that illicit e-cigarette sales have become “an enticing revenue source for Mexican drug cartels” and are linked to money laundering associated with fentanyl proceeds.

“For these reasons, we strongly advocate that the USTR prioritize this issue in ongoing trade discussions with China,” the lawmakers asserted, calling for “a binding commitment” from Beijing to cease illegal exports.