,"A bipartisan coalition of 25 state attorneys general, co-led by California and New York, has urged Shopify to strengthen enforcement against merchants using its platform to sell illegal e-cigarettes. In a formal letter, the coalition highlighted that despite Shopify’s policies prohibiting unlawful activity, many sellers continue to operate illegal online vape stores through the platform. The attorneys general identified dozens of illegal websites hosted on Shopify and noted that they are prepared to collaborate on a more comprehensive solution, including helping Shopify identify additional violators.
The coalition emphasized that illegal e-cigarette sales continue to pose significant public health risks—especially to youth—and violate both federal and state laws. They referenced state-level flavor bans, California’s new Unflavored Tobacco List requirements, and the FDA’s limitation of authorized e-cigarette products to only 39 items, all tobacco or menthol flavored. The letter follows multiple enforcement actions taken by California against non-compliant e-cigarette sellers and manufacturers, including lawsuits and multistate settlements. Let me know if you want a shorter version or a format change."