Anvisa seizes over 25,000 illegal electronic cigarettes in Brazil

The Brazilian health regulator Anvisa, together with the Federal Revenue Service, carried out Operation Rede de Fumaça, seizing more than 25,000 electronic cigarette devices that are prohibited for sale in Brazil. The same sweep also confiscated about 107,000 packs of contraband conventional cigarettes. Anvisa said the operation aims to curb the supply of illegal tobacco products and protect public health, especially because electronic cigarettes pose a serious risk to young people. The agency cited research indicating that e‑cigarettes can act as a gateway to regular smoking among children and adolescents. Commercialisation of electronic cigarettes is banned under Resolution RDC 855/2024.

The operation was nationwide, with confiscations reported in several states. Anvisa reiterated that the devices, known locally as DEF, represent a grave health danger and that the crackdown is part of broader efforts to enforce existing regulations.