Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a coordinated multi-state enforcement action against the sale of bootleg, flavored disposable e-cigarettes. Civil investigative demands were served on 12 Connecticut smoke shops, convenience stores, and two wholesalers for selling illegally imported, non-FDA authorized nicotine products designed to appeal to youth. Nine other states announced parallel investigations or litigation targeting distributors and retailers of these products.
Connecticut's action involves serving civil investigative demands to gather information on the supply chain of illicit non-tobacco nicotine products. Other states are employing a range of tools including warning letters, investigations, and lawsuits seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties under state-specific consumer protection and youth tobacco access laws.
In-house legal teams should review vendor agreements with retailers and wholesalers, distribution agreements, and supplier contracts. Key clauses to examine include product compliance representations (ensuring products are FDA-authorized), marketing and sales restrictions (prohibiting youth-targeted flavors or advertising), supply chain transparency requirements (mandating documentation of product origin and authorization), audit rights (to verify compliance), and termination provisions for illegal sales. Changes may be needed to require certifications of FDA authorization, implement robust age-verification and youth-access safeguards, enhance supply chain traceability obligations, and strengthen audit and indemnification terms to address illicit product distribution.
Entity
Multiple Connecticut retailers and wholesalers
Also known as: Connecticut Retailers and Wholesalers
Industry
RetailConnecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of states and local governments in filing suit against NHTSA over its rule weakening fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks. The lawsuit alleges the rule violates the agency’s statutory mandate and the Administrative Procedure Act; no penalty or final remedy is reported.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a multistate coalition suing the EPA over its repeal of greenhouse gas pollution limits for power plants and separately filed a notice of intent to sue over regulation of existing gas plants. The coalition asks the court to overturn the repeal and restore the protections; the release reports no monetary penalty or final order.
$400.0M
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz Inc. and Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. resolving allegations that the generic drug manufacturers conspired to inflate prices, limit competition, and restrain trade. The settlement includes consumer restitution and injunctive reforms; court approval was being sought.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a DHS rule that allows certain affirmative asylum applications to be referred to removal proceedings without an asylum officer interview. The coalition argues the rule violates federal law and harms asylum seekers, including unaccompanied children; this was a policy opposition letter, not a privacy enforcement action.
Connecticut and Massachusetts co-led a coalition protest urging FERC to reject the proposed NextEra Energy-Dominion Energy merger. The coalition argued that the merger could increase market power and threaten energy affordability, reliability, and competition; the release does not report a final enforcement decision or penalty.
Connecticut officials warned residents about potential home improvement scams before an approaching nor’easter, including unlicensed contractors, high-pressure sales tactics, and demands for full payment upfront. The release provides consumer guidance on checking contractors and contract requirements; it does not announce an enforcement action or penalty against a named entity.