by Phoenix, AZ – Arizona lawmakers are moving to tighten oversight of vaping products after a surge in illegal devices entering the state. Republican state Sen. Shawnna Bolick of Deer Valley has introduced legislation aimed at stopping vape smuggling, targeting unlicensed manufacturers, and restricting youth access to illegal products.
Bolick said the legislation is designed to disrupt international smuggling networks and give state agencies stronger enforcement tools as illegal vapes continue to flood Arizona.
Arizona Lawmaker Targets Illegal Vape Smuggling
Bolick has introduced Senate Bill 1367, which would allow Arizona state agencies to track the origin of vaping products, intercept illegal shipments, and shut down retailers that violate state law. She described the proposal as an “anti-smuggling bill,” emphasizing that criminal networks operating across borders are driving the illegal vape trade.
According to Bolick, these organizations have ties to Mexico, China, and Russia, with most illegal vape products entering the United States through ports of entry before being distributed domestically.
Senator Says Most Illegal Vapes Originate in China
Bolick told The Center Square that nearly all illegal vapes are coming from China, noting many of the products are explicitly labeled “not for sale in China.” Despite those labels, she said, the devices are being smuggled into the U.S. and sold illegally in states like Arizona.
“This is an anti-smuggling bill,” Bolick said, pointing to transnational organizations she believes are profiting from the trade.
She stressed that the legislation is not intended to eliminate all vaping products, acknowledging that regulated vape devices can serve a purpose for adult users. Instead, the focus is on illegal products that bypass safety standards and tax requirements.
New Bills Outline Licensing, Fines, and Confiscation Powers
A separate proposal, Senate Bill 1397, outlines additional enforcement steps. Under the bill, interstate vape wholesalers would be required to provide proper documentation to the Arizona Department of Revenue. Wholesalers that fail to comply could have their products confiscated and destroyed.
The bill would also require vape product manufacturers to obtain a state license before selling in Arizona. Manufacturers operating without a license could face fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
Border Security Groups Back Arizona Legislation
Justin Harris, vice president of the Border Security Alliance, voiced support for the legislation, saying it would help close enforcement gaps that allow illegal products into the country.
“Arizona law enforcement must have the ability to close the vape loophole and stop the smuggling of illegal Chinese vape products into America,” Harris said.
“I applaud the senator’s legislation and look forward to having the governor sign this into law.”
Bills Aim to Curb Youth Access to Illegal Vapes
Both bills include provisions aimed at protecting minors. The legislation would ban vape products designed to resemble cartoons, toys, video games, or smartphones, which lawmakers say are intentionally marketed to younger audiences.
Under SB 1397, vape products would also be prohibited on school grounds, school buses, and at school-sponsored events. Bolick said illegal vapes are increasingly being targeted toward Arizona’s youth, raising concerns among parents, educators, and public health officials.
Illegal Vape Market Expands Nationwide
Bolick noted that illegal vapes have been an issue in Arizona for years and said she has been working on the problem since her time as a state representative. She introduced a similar bill in 2024, but it failed to pass.
She added that the problem is worsening as manufacturers become “more sophisticated” in how the products are designed and distributed.
A 2024 study found that nearly 90% of America’s vape market consists of illegal products. Federal enforcement efforts have also intensified. In May, authorities seized nearly $34 million worth of illegal vapes in Chicago. Four months later, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of 2.1 million illicit vaping products across multiple states, including Arizona.
Attorney General Pam Bondi described the products as “dangerous,” underscoring the public safety risks tied to unregulated vaping devices.
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