ATF joins interagency Trade Fraud Task Force to combat illicit vape and tobacco trafficking

WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives today announced it has joined the interagency Trade Fraud Task Force, strengthening federal efforts to stop illegal, mis-declared, and smuggled goods, such as illegally entered vapes and nicotine products, from entering U.S. commerce and funding organized crime.

Launched by the Department of Justice and Homeland Security Investigations, the Trade Fraud Task Force brings together federal enforcement partners to identify and dismantle schemes that use false customs declarations, mislabeled shipments, and other fraudulent practices to evade lawful import requirements. Specifically, ATF's participation will strengthen the Task Force's ability to trace illicit tobacco and vape products from points of entry through domestic trafficking networks into American communities, leveraging ATF's statutory authority under the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act.

"We are proud to partner with our federal law enforcement colleagues on this Task Force," said ATF Director Rob Cekada. "This joint effort strengthens our ability to protect American communities, dismantle the criminal networks profiting from trade fraud, and get harmful, unregulated, and illegal products like illicit Chinese vapes off our streets."

ATF's authority under the PACT Act makes it the lead federal agency responsible for enforcing registration, reporting, and shipping requirements for tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery system sales in interstate commerce. ATF maintains the PACT Act non-compliant list and holds direct authority to inspect records and refer violations for criminal prosecution. ATF's participation integrates the agency's enforcement capabilities into the Department of Justice's coordinated strategy to combat trade fraud.

The illegal vape and tobacco market remains a growing threat to public health and law enforcement. Industry estimates indicate unauthorized vape products now account for the majority of e-cigarette sales in the United States, with most manufactured overseas and smuggled into domestic distribution chains.

###