The U.S. state of Arizona is considering the establishment of a state-level licensing system for electronic cigarettes under proposed Senate Bill SB 1397. The bill would require vape wholesalers operating across state lines to submit compliance documentation, while non-compliant products could be seized and destroyed by authorities.

Key Takeaways

According to The Center Square, Arizona Republican Senator Shawnna Bolick introduced Senate Bill SB 1397 with the goal of cracking down on illegal vape distribution within the state.

Bolick described the proposal as an “anti-smuggling” bill and stated that transnational organizations are involved in bringing illegal vaping products into the United States. She cited connections to Mexico, China, Russia, and other regions, and claimed that illegal e-cigarettes are being smuggled through ports of entry.

Bolick further asserted that “nearly all” such illegal products originate from China and are labeled as “not for sale in China.” She emphasized that Arizona needs stronger enforcement tools to address the growing influx of illicit vaping products.

Under the proposed framework, state agencies would be granted clearer authority to track vape product origins, intercept illegal shipments, and shut down retailers that violate state law. SB 1397 specifically requires interstate vape wholesalers to provide compliance documentation to the Arizona Department of Revenue. Failure to comply could lead to seizure and destruction of the products in question.

The bill also proposes that vape manufacturers must obtain a state-issued license before selling products in Arizona. Manufacturers selling without a license could face fines of up to USD 10,000.

In terms of product compliance and youth protection, SB 1397 would restrict vape product designs, prohibiting appearances that imitate cartoons, toys, video games, or smartphones. The bill would also ban vaping products from school campuses, school buses, and school-sponsored events.

Bolick stated that illegal vaping products are being deliberately marketed toward youth. She noted that she has been working on the issue since her time as a state representative and previously introduced similar legislation in 2024, which did not pass.

According to Bolick, the current proposal does not target all vaping products but instead aims to close regulatory loopholes related to illegal products across the supply chain, distribution channels, and marketing practices.

Justin Harris, Vice Chairman of the Border Security Alliance, was also cited as saying that Arizona law enforcement agencies need the authority to “close the vape loopholes” in order to stop illegal Chinese-made vaping products from being smuggled into the United States.