S.T.O.P. Illicit Vapes Act

119th Congress Introduced by Josh Gottheimer and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes a federal multi-agency task force to curb illicit e-cigarettes through coordinated enforcement, information sharing, and biannual reports for 10 years.

Introduced in House

Summary of HR 6845 (S.T.O.P. Illicit Vapes Act)

Purpose

Establishes a federal multi-agency Task Force to combat illegal importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes (vapes).

Intended to reduce the presence of unauthorized e-cigarettes in the U.S. market through coordinated enforcement and information sharing.

Key Provisions

Establishment of Task Force

Creates (or re-establishes) a Federal multi-agency task force within 30 days after enactment.
Purpose: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to curb illicit e-cigarettes, including goal-setting, information sharing, and coordinated actions.

Membership and Leadership

Co-chairs: Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
At least one representative from each:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
United States Marshals Service (USMS)
United States Postal Inspection Service (USPSI)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Additional representatives from other federal agencies with roles in e-cigarette enforcement, appointed by the co-chairs.

Meetings and Oversight

Task Force must meet at least monthly (not less than every 30 days).

Semiannual Reporting Requirements

Reports due to congressional committees twice per year (April 30 and October 31).
Each report must include:
Authorities of represented agencies to combat illegal e-cigarette activities.
Actions taken by agencies (criminal, civil, seizure/forfeiture) against unauthorized manufacturers, importers, and distributors during the prior 6 months (covering two reporting windows: Apr 30 report covers through Mar 31; Oct 31 report covers through Sep 30).
Recommendations for additional authorities if needed.
Areas for improvement in inter-agency collaboration.
Constituent Committees for Reporting
Senate: Judiciary, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Appropriations.
House: Judiciary, Energy and Commerce, and Appropriations.

Sunset

The Task Force is set to terminate 10 years after its establishment.

Effective Date and Timeline

Effective date: 30 days after enactment.

Termination: 10 years from establishment.

Semiannual reporting begins after establishment.

Affected Parties and Scope

Federal agencies involved in national security, health, consumer protection, and customs enforcement (e.g., DOJ, HHS, FDA, CBP, FBI, ATF, USMS, USPSI, FTC, HSI).

Aimed at illegal e-cigarette importation, distribution, and sale, including unauthorized manufacturers and distributors.

Emphasizes interagency coordination and information sharing to reduce illicit vape market activity.

Potential Impacts

Enhanced interagency coordination could streamline investigations, seizures, and prosecutions related to illicit vaping products.

Increased reporting could improve transparency and Congressional oversight of enforcement actions.

The 10-year duration provides a long-term federal framework to address evolving illicit vape networks, with potential adjustments based on annual/biannual findings.

Notes

Bill introduced December 18, 2025, with multiple co-sponsors.

Referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Judiciary for consideration.