Ispire Technology and IKE Tech Applaud FDA Action
In a significant step toward regulating the vaping industry, Ispire Technology Inc. and its joint venture partner, IKE Tech LLC, have voiced strong support for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent crackdown on the illicit vape market. This initiative follows a long-standing concern regarding the prevalence of illegal electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that pose serious health risks, particularly for the youth.
On November 17, 2025, Ispire, an innovative leader in vaping technology, announced its commendation of the FDA's directive to allocate over $200 million in new funding aimed specifically at enforcing regulations targeting illegal vaping products. This action stems from a broader congressional resolution intended to empower the FDA in its fight against the burgeoning black market of vaping devices. Alongside this financial commitment, the FDA is also taking steps to update enforcement guidelines to directly address flavored disposable vapes and is expected to report its progress to Congress biannually.
John Patterson, president of IKE Tech, emphasized the significance of this enforcement push, indicating that it serves as a wake-up call for an industry that has lost its grip on regulatory standards. He stated, “When nine out of ten vapes on shelves are illegal, it’s clear that the current methods of tracking and control are insufficient. We applaud Congress and the FDA for taking decisive action to cleanse a market overwhelmed with unregulated products that can harm users, especially minors.”
Both Ispire and IKE Tech are pioneers in developing a technological framework to aid this enforcement effort. IKE Tech is leveraging blockchain and AI technologies to create innovative solutions for product authentication and age verification. These advancements include real-time tracking and verification that ensure only adults can use these devices, thus providing a robust means to combat underage vaping and the distribution of illegal products.
Michael Wang, co-CEO of Ispire Technology, echoed the importance of combining reactive enforcement with proactive technological solutions. He noted that while the FDA's current crackdown is indeed necessary, it must be supplemented with standards that leverage technology to ensure compliance in the market. “Illicit imports undermine FDA authority and create challenges for compliant companies,” he added. “To truly make an impact, we need security solutions that can verify product legitimacy right at the point of use.”
Ispire and IKE Tech recently unveiled their blockchain-enabled age-verification chip aimed at ensuring immediate identity validation. This innovation is poised to significantly enhance the regulatory environment, allowing manufacturers and investigators to confirm the authenticity of products instantaneously. By bridging enforcement with technical innovation, these organizations aim to protect youth and restore credibility in the $30 billion flavored vape market, steering it back to lawful operations.
Both companies agree that while FDA's enhanced enforcement is a crucial first step, it must be paired with tech-driven solutions that prevent illegal products from infiltrating the market in the first place. IKE Tech's System-on-a-Chip technology, submitted earlier this year as part of a Pre-Market Tobacco Product Application, stands as a beacon for future interoperability and compliance within the industry.
About IKE Tech LLC
Founded in 2024, IKE Tech specializes in real-time identity verification and product authentication. Its unique solutions harness blockchain technology and artificial intelligence to secure high-risk sectors, facilitating responsible access to age-restricted products. With tools that can easily integrate into ENDS devices, IKE Tech is on the forefront of eliminating underage vaping.
About Ispire Technology Inc.
Ispire Technology, listed on NASDAQ (ISPR), is dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. With over 400 patents globally, Ispire markets its products extensively across various regions, upholding stringent standards to ensure both quality and compliance in the vaping industry. Discover more at
www.ispiretechnology.com or follow the brand on social media.