California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside nine other attorneys general, has announced a coordinated effort to address the illegal manufacturing, distribution, and sale of flavored disposable e-cigarette products. This initiative aims to enforce state tobacco and consumer protection laws against companies selling these products to minors.
Attorney General Bonta has filed a lawsuit against Flumgio Technology Inc., Berkeley Int'l Business Crew, and their founder Mr. Zaoyu Zhu for importing FLUM brand e-cigarettes from China into California. These products are reportedly in violation of California's retail flavor ban and lack Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization.
"As a father and the People’s Attorney, I won’t stand idly by as companies, not just in California, but across the country, continue to sell illicit flavored disposable e-cigarette products that target our youth," said Attorney General Bonta. "It takes a collective effort to crack down on these tobacco companies and their illegal business tactics."
Flavored disposable e-cigarettes are often manufactured in China and imported illegally into the United States. Many manufacturers have not complied with the FDA's marketing order process, rendering these products unlawful for sale. Despite federal efforts to control them, these products remain widely available.
The states involved in this multistate action include Connecticut, Illinois, Hawaii, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Ohio, and Washington D.C., all aiming to protect youth from harmful tobacco products through legal enforcement.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued civil investigative demands on retailers selling potent imported e-cigarettes. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is filing a lawsuit against distributors of Posh vape brands for violating Illinois’ Youth Preventing Vaping Act. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin sent warning letters to retailers about selling flavored vapor products.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also announced legal action against a vaping retailer.
In his lawsuit against the FLUM Defendants filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Attorney General Bonta alleges violations of California’s False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law by targeting youth with misleading marketing practices.
Attorney General Bonta remains dedicated to combating illegal tobacco sales. He sponsored legislation supporting California's flavored tobacco ban and secured a $462 million settlement with JUUL Labs Inc., which prohibits JUUL from targeting youth in its promotions.
A copy of the FLUM complaint is available for public access.