NYC Reaches Settlement with E-Cigarette Distributors in Flavored Vape Crackdown

Nov.25.2025
NYC Reaches Settlement with E-Cigarette Distributors in Flavored Vape Crackdown
New York City has reached settlement agreements with two e-cigarette wholesalers accused of selling flavored vapes illegally. The companies agreed to stop all flavored vape transactions in the city and face $1,000 fines for future violations. Litigation against other defendants in the broader case continues.

Key Points

 

  • Defendants: Star Zone Inc. and Kayla Wholesale Inc.
  • Settlement: Permanent ban on flavored vape sales or deliveries in NYC.
  • Penalty: $1,000 fine per prohibited item for future violations.
  • Judge: U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods III.
  • Broader litigation against 10 companies and two individuals is ongoing.

 


 

2Firsts, November 25, 2025 — According to Law360,New York City has settled with two e-cigarette wholesalers accused of illegally selling flavored vaping products within the city. The agreements, approved by U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods III, mark the latest development in a broader enforcement campaign targeting the sale of flavored e-cigarettes across the five boroughs.

 

The city originally filed suit against several distributors and retailers, alleging that they created a public health crisis and nuisance by selling flavored vapes in violation of state and federal law. As of Wednesday, Star Zone Inc. and Kayla Wholesale Inc. have agreed to end the claims against them through consent decrees.

 

Under the agreements, both companies are permanently prohibited from engaging in any transaction involving the sale or delivery of flavored e-cigarettes, e-liquids, or vapor products into New York City. The injunction extends to all employees, agents, and affiliated parties, barring them from deriving revenue from such sales.

 

The orders also stipulate penalties for future violations. If the city finds evidence of a breach, the companies will be fined $1,000 per prohibited item and must pay the city’s attorney fees and enforcement costs. The firms have also waived key legal defenses such as statute of limitations and personal jurisdiction in potential future actions.

 

The settlement amounts remain undisclosed. However, the case — City of New York v. EnviroMD Group LLC et al. — continues against the remaining non-settling defendants, which include eight companies and two individuals.

 

Judge Woods previously ruled in July that New York City is authorized to bring claims under the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act), noting that the city imposes excise and sales taxes on nicotine products. He clarified that holding a state license does not exempt companies from enforcement when illegal sales occur.

 

Counsel for the defendants and city officials declined to comment on the settlements.

 

Image source: Law360

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

State Registries Are Reshaping U.S. Vape Market Access 2Firsts Interview with U.S. Vapor Manufacturers Association President Allison Boughner
State Registries Are Reshaping U.S. Vape Market Access 2Firsts Interview with U.S. Vapor Manufacturers Association President Allison Boughner
As the U.S. vapor market faces FDA authorizations, import seizures and growing state-level restrictions, AVM President Allison Boughner told 2Firsts that state product registries and white-list systems are having the most immediate impact. She said distributors are placing greater weight on documentation, product origin and supply-chain transparency.
Special Report
May.26
FDA Launches Elsa 4.0 and Completes HALO Data Platform Consolidation
FDA Launches Elsa 4.0 and Completes HALO Data Platform Consolidation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on May 6 that it has advanced its modernization initiative by launching Elsa 4.0, an upgraded internal AI tool, and consolidating more than 40 application and submission data sources, systems and portals into a new platform called HALO. FDA said the integration of HALO and Elsa will allow staff to query data and build workflows without manually uploading documents in each chat.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
  South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea’s cigarette tax debate has resurfaced after the Ministry of Health and Welfare said tobacco price policy needed review, with a poll showing 63% of respondents support higher tobacco taxes.
Regulations
Jun.22
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Proposes Foreign Tobacco Factory Registration Rule to Tighten Import Oversight
FDA Proposes Foreign Tobacco Factory Registration Rule to Tighten Import Oversight
The FDA has proposed a rule requiring foreign tobacco manufacturers to register facilities and list products before exporting to the U.S. If finalized, the rule could affect overseas OEM/ODM factories, contract manufacturers, specification developers, bulk product makers, and repackaging or relabeling firms. FDA says the proposal would help identify unauthorized imported tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Special Report
Jun.26
Illicit Vape and Nicotine Pouch Seizures Concentrated in UK Hotspots, New Data Shows
Illicit Vape and Nicotine Pouch Seizures Concentrated in UK Hotspots, New Data Shows
Freedom of Information (FOI) data from the UK shows that more than 3,000 seizures of illegal nicotine products were recorded in the 2024/25 financial year, with Hull, Liverpool and Bolton emerging as the most active enforcement hotspots — highlighting that the problem of illicit vapes, nicotine pouches and smokeless tobacco products persists across many parts of the country.
Jun.16