The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued maximum fines to retailers selling Elf Bar/EB Design e-cigarettes and has sent 168 warning letters to other retailers, reports CStore Decisions.

Each of the 22 retailers had previously been sent a warning letter to stop selling the unauthorized tobacco products but failed to do so which led to the FDA taking action in form of civil money penalties (CMPs).
“The FDA has been abundantly clear that we are committed to using the full scope of our authorities, as appropriate, to hold those who break the law accountable,” said Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “These retailers were duly warned of what could happen if they failed to correct their violations. They chose inaction and will now face the consequences.”
According to CStore Decisions, each retailer must pay USD 19,192 for a single violation – the maximum CMP amount. This marks the first time the FDA is charging the maximum amount for this type of violation. The retailers can pay the penalty, enter into a settlement agreement, request an extension of time to file an answer to the complaint or file an answer and request a hearing. Failing any action within 30 days, the full penalty amount can be imposed by default.
Furthermore, the FDA sent 168 warning letters to other retailers for illegally selling Elf Bar/EB Design products, after retailer inspections were conducted in August.
“We continue to monitor closely all those in the supply chain, including retailers, for compliance with federal law,” said Ann Simoneau, director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement in the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “This includes follow-up inspections and surveillance of those who have received a warning letter, and taking additional action, as appropriate, to enforce the law.”