Ispire Technology and IKE Tech Applaud FDA Crackdown, Call for Tech-Driven Enforcement to Prevent Illicit Trade and Protect Youth

Core Insights - The FDA has mandated the allocation of at least $200 million from its user fees to enforce regulations on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including a focus on illegal vape products [2][3] - Ispire Technology and IKE Tech are collaborating to develop technological solutions to enhance product verification and compliance in the vaping industry [4][8] Regulatory Developments - The FDA's new directive includes a requirement to update enforcement guidance regarding flavored disposable vapes and to report progress to Congress biannually [2] - A multi-agency task force will be established to combat the influx of illegal ENDS products entering the U.S. [2] Industry Response - IKE Tech's president highlighted the need for improved standards in an industry plagued by illegal products, noting that 90% of vapes on shelves are illegal [3] - Ispire's co-CEO emphasized the importance of pairing enforcement with proactive technological standards to combat illicit imports and support legitimate businesses [6] Technological Innovations - IKE Tech is developing blockchain-secured smart authentication tags and AI-driven age-verification solutions to ensure compliance and product legitimacy [4][8] - The jointly developed blockchain-enabled System-on-a-Chip aims to provide real-time identity validation at the device level, ensuring only verified adults can activate a vape [7][8] Market Context - The flavored vape market is valued at approximately $30 billion, and the companies aim to bring it back under lawful control through enhanced regulatory compliance and technological solutions [7]