Arizona, USA — A Republican state senator in Arizona has introduced a new bill that would establish a state-level licensing system for e-cigarettes, require wholesalers to submit compliance documentation, and authorize the seizure and destruction of illegal vape products.

Key Highlights

• Arizona lawmakers introduced Senate Bill SB 1397, positioning it as an “anti-smuggling” vape bill and highlighting alleged involvement of transnational organizations in illegal vape imports.
• The bill would authorize state agencies to trace product origins, intercept illegal shipments, and crack down on non-compliant retailers.
• Out-of-state vape wholesalers would be required to submit compliance documents to the Arizona Department of Revenue; failure to do so could result in product seizure and destruction.
• Vape manufacturers would need to obtain state licenses to sell in Arizona; unlicensed sales could face fines of up to $10,000.
• Product designs would be restricted from imitating cartoons, toys, video games, or smartphones, and vapes would be prohibited on school grounds, school buses, and at school-sponsored events.

Source: 2Firsts, January 30, 2026

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According to reporting by The Center Square, Arizona Republican State Senator Shawnna Bolick has introduced Senate Bill SB 1397, aimed at curbing the circulation of illegal e-cigarette products within the state.

“Anti-Smuggling” Focus

Bolick described the proposal as an “anti-smuggling” bill, asserting that transnational organizations are involved in bringing illegal vape products into the United States. She stated that these networks are linked to countries including Mexico, China, and Russia.

According to Bolick, illegal e-cigarettes are being smuggled through ports of entry, and “nearly all” such products originate from China. She further claimed that many of these products are labeled as “not for sale in China.”

Supply Chain and Enforcement Powers

Under the bill, state agencies would be granted clearer authority to trace the origins of vape products, intercept illegal shipments, and take enforcement action against retailers found to be in violation of Arizona law.

SB 1397 would require out-of-state vape wholesalers to provide relevant compliance documentation to the Arizona Department of Revenue. If such documentation is not produced, the associated products could be seized and destroyed.

Manufacturer Licensing Requirements

The bill also proposes that vape manufacturers obtain state-level authorization before selling products in Arizona. Manufacturers that sell without proper licensing could face civil penalties of up to $10,000.

Product Design and Youth Protection

To address youth exposure, SB 1397 includes provisions restricting product appearance. Vape products would be prohibited from imitating cartoons, toys, video games, or smartphone designs.

The bill would also ban the presence of e-cigarettes on school property, school buses, and at school-related activities.

Legislative Background

Bolick stated that illegal vape products are deliberately targeting youth. She noted that she has been advocating on this issue since her time in the Arizona House of Representatives and previously introduced similar legislation in 2024 that did not pass.

She emphasized that the bill is not intended to target all e-cigarette products, but rather to close loopholes that allow illegal vapes to enter the supply chain, retail channels, and youth-oriented marketing pathways.

Industry and Enforcement Perspectives

Justin Harris, Vice President of the Border Security Alliance, was cited as saying that Arizona law enforcement needs the authority to “close vape loopholes” in order to prevent the smuggling of what he described as “illegal Chinese vapes” into the United States.

Image source: CDC / Unsplash