Border Security Alliance Statement Regarding 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey

PHOENIX, AZ - Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their annual National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), a school-based survey that collects tobacco use information from middle school (grades 6 to 8) and high school (grades 9 to 12) students. This year’s survey indicated that, while cigarette use continues to decline, use of illegal, disposable e-cigarettes increased to nearly 61%. The survey also showed that nearly 90% of kids and teens reported using flavored e-cigarettes, with a preference for youth-appealing candy and dessert flavors. Elf Bar/EB Designs and Esco Bars remain the most popular illegal, disposable China-made brands, despite FDA action against these companies earlier this year. Border Security Alliance President Jobe Dickinson commented on the data: 

 “Yesterday’s data proves that the FDA’s warning letters against the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of illegal, disposable flavored vapes have been insufficient. Despite being illegal in the U.S., millions of these products, which are manufactured in China, continue to flow freely across our borders, through our ports of entry, and onto store shelves where kids and teens are still able to easily purchase them. The federal government must develop and implement a strict enforcement plan that empowers state and local law enforcement to take immediate action by providing them seizure authority and funding grants for enforcement. State and municipal law enforcement must also focus on getting these illegal products off of shelves and prosecuting those who are violating the law. Ensuring these illegal products stay out of the hands of our kids must be a top Biden administration priority.”