Category: Breaking

Wang: Global Trade Tariffs in Vaping
The vaping industry has always faced its share of challenges—from shifting regulatory landscapes to evolving consumer preferences. However, a few factors significantly threaten the industry’s future, such as the impact of global trade tariffs. With the United States set to increase tariffs on Chinese imports, companies that fail to adapt could face skyrocketing costs, disrupted supply chains, and a diminished ability to compete in one of the world’s largest markets.
Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have been escalating for several years. The vaping industry, which relies heavily on hardware manufactured in China, is particularly vulnerable to these developments. Currently, vaping products imported from China face a 25% tariff, but there is a high likelihood that this could double or even increase to 100% under future U.S. administrations.
For vaping companies, such tariff hikes mean the cost of importing devices could skyrocket. A 100% tariff would effectively double the cost of hardware produced in China, driving up retail prices for all such products in the U.S. market. This scenario threatens the financial viability of vaping companies and the availability of affordable, high-quality products for consumers.
The Strategic Decision to Move Manufacturing to Malaysia
Recognizing the potential for increasing tariffs and broader geopolitical challenges, some vaping manufacturers began shifting their operations from China to other countries. Such decisions were never made lightly. China has long been a global leader in manufacturing efficiency with a robust infrastructure and supply-chain network,, and moving away from such an established infrastructure posed significant logistical and operational challenges.
Malaysia offered several key advantages to manufacturers. Firstly, Malaysia enjoys favorable trade agreements with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. For instance, starting in December 2024, a new free trade agreement between Malaysia and the U.K. took effect, eliminating tariffs on products moving between the two countries. Similar agreements are in place or in development with other major markets.
Secondly, Malaysia’s robust manufacturing ecosystem and skilled workforce make it an ideal location for high-quality production. By establishing operations in Malaysia, companies can continue to deliver reliable, innovative hardware without the added burden of excessive tariffs.
The Broader Impact on the Global Supply Chain
The shift to Malaysia reflects a broader trend in global manufacturing. As trade barriers between the U.S. and China grow, a widespread redistribution of manufacturing operations is underway. Companies across industries—not just vaping—are reevaluating their supply chains to reduce dependence on any single country.
This global redistribution of resources presents both challenges and opportunities. For manufacturers, the challenge lies in building new infrastructure, securing reliable suppliers, and maintaining quality control in unfamiliar territories. However, companies that successfully navigate these changes benefit from more resilient supply chains, reduced geopolitical risk, and greater flexibility in responding to market shifts.
Maintaining Compliance and Quality Standards
Shifting manufacturing bases also brings new compliance considerations. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (PMTAs) for vaping devices. These applications are tied to specific manufacturing facilities, meaning that changing production locations requires amendments to existing PMTAs or new submissions.
Manufacturers must ensure that new facilities meet the highest quality and compliance standards. Proactively managing these regulatory requirements ensures that products remain market-ready even as production locations change.
The Future of the Vaping Industry Amid Trade Challenges
Looking ahead, it’s clear that trade tariffs and global manufacturing shifts are not short-term challenges. Regardless of who occupies the White House, protectionist trade policies are likely to persist or even intensify. The vaping industry must be prepared for this new reality.
Companies that fail to diversify their manufacturing operations face mounting costs and increasing vulnerability to trade disruptions. On the other hand, those who invest in flexible, resilient supply chains will be well-positioned to thrive.
The vaping industry is at a crossroads. Global trade tariffs pose a significant threat, but they also offer an opportunity for companies to rethink their supply chains and build more resilient operations. For manufacturers, shifting production from China to countries like Malaysia is not just a reactive measure—it’s a strategic move to secure long-term growth and competitiveness.
As the industry moves forward, companies that adapt to these challenges will be the ones that lead the way. The ability to anticipate trade disruptions, embrace innovation and maintain rigorous quality standards will determine who succeeds in this ever-evolving market.
As co-CEO of Ispire Technology Inc., Michael Wang is a leader in the development and commercialization of vaping technology and precision dosing. Previously, he served in executive roles at The Pharm/Sunday Goods, Onestop Commerce, Zazzle, and Honeywell.
December 20, 2024
Bangladesh Readies to Ban E-cigarette Imports

Bangladesh will ban the import of e-cigarettes and related products, reports bdnews24.
According to a statement issued by the cabinet division, the health services division proposed to take urgent measures to ban the import of all products tied to the electronic nicotine delivery systems or e-cigarettes “to protect public health and keep future generations safe.”
After the discussion, it was decided that e-cigarettes will be included in the list of banned products in the import policy order of the ministry of commerce.
December 16, 2024
Innokin Recalls All of its Kroma Nova Vape Systems
Kroma Nova
The China-based vaping brand Innokin has issued a product recall for its Kroma Nova vaping system. The recall covers its all production units.
“The Kroma Nova implements a unique charging solution with a specialized component supplied specifically for this model. Unfortunately, the supplier’s component appears to be defective and may pose a safety risk,” a press release states.
A spokesperson for Innokin stated that the recall was to “ensure the safety of our customers and maintain the high standards of our products, we have decided to initiate a precautionary recall” of the popular vaping system.
“Innokin prides itself on high safety standards and full transparency with customers,” the release states. “We encourage all Innokin customers to contact us whenever issues arise, so our team can implement resolutions in a timely manner.”
Customers should contact Innokin at support@innokin.com for further instructions on the recall process.
Business clients should contact their sales representative.
May 21, 2024
Kazakhstan President Signs Bill Banning Vaping

Credit: Zero Photo
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a bill on April 19 that bans the sale and distribution of vaping products, according to the Akorda press service.
“The law establishes a ban on the sale and distribution of non-smoking tobacco products, vapes, flavors and liquids for them, as well as their advertising,” according to the Akorda.
Punishment for sale and distribution ranges from fines to arrest. The law will come into force 60 days after publication, according to media reports.
Astana Akimat (administration) and Kazakh athletes launched a campaign to encourage residents to exchange electronic cigarettes for sports equipment.
“We want to teach young people through this campaign the importance of engaging in sports and maintaining good health. Together we want to guide them on the right path. We hope that our campaign will motivate many people,” said Kyokushinkan karate athlete Alikhan Asubayev.
Vaping products collected during the campaign will be disposed of at a specialized plant.
April 23, 2024
Court Rules FDA Sent Vapor Makers on ‘Wild Goose Chase’

Image: BCFC
Two e-liquid companies will be able to resubmit their marketing applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following a court ruling, reports Bloomberg Law.
On Jan. 3, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the FDA acted “arbitrarily and capriciously” in rejecting the premarket tobacco product applications (PMTA) of Wages and White Lion Investments, doing business as Triton Distribution, and Vapetasia for approval to sell their products in the United States.
The 9-5 decision by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit reversed a July 2022 decision by a three-judge panel of that court.
The agency “sent manufacturers of flavored e-cigarette products on a wild goose chase,” telling them what would be needed to approve their products, and then denying all applications, the court said in an opinion by Judge Andrew S. Oldham. The FDA “never gave petitioners fair notice that they needed to conduct long-term studies on their specific flavored products,” Oldham wrote.
In a dissenting opinion, Judge Catharina Haynes stated that the agency “properly fulfilled its statutory mandate by considering the relevant portions of Petitioners’ PMTAs and coming to a reasonable conclusion that marketing Petitioners’ products is not appropriate for public health.”
Oldham stated that the manufacturers dutifully spent untold millions “conforming their behavior and their applications to FDA’s say-so.”
“Then, months after receiving hundreds of thousands of applications predicated on its instructions, FDA turned around, pretended it never gave anyone any instructions about anything, imposed new testing requirements without any notice, and denied all one million flavored e-cigarette applications for failing to predict the agency’s volte face. Worse, after telling manufacturers that their marketing plans were ‘critical’ to their applications, FDA candidly admitted that it did not read a single word of the one million plans.”
In an X post, Michael Siegel, a professor at Boston University School of Public Health, stated that the ruling “exposed” the FDA’s wrongful rejection of applications for flavored vapes, ultimately resulting in a “win for public health.”
Eric Heyer, a lawyer for e-liquid makers Triton Distribution and Vapetasia LLC, said he was pleased with the ruling and hoped it would lead the FDA to make “a significant course correction by communicating with specificity” what companies must do to get approval.
“No principle is more important when considering how the unelected administrators of the Fourth Branch of Government treat the American people,” Oldham wrote, apparently likening executive branch agencies such as the FDA to a separate branch of government. “And FDA’s regulatory switcheroos in this case bear no resemblance to square corners.”
It is expected that the FDA will seek a review of the decision by the Supreme Court of the United States, however, the justice department hasn’t made an official announcement.
January 3, 2024
U.S. FDA Issues ‘Import Alert’ to Seize Illegal Vapes

Credit: Photo Spirit
In a move that could be devastating to the vaping industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued “Import Alert 98-06” that states the regulatory agency will detain new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes without marketing authorization at the border.
The companies impacted would include all importers, manufacturers and transporters of vaping product brands such as ELFBAR, EB DESIGN, Eonsmoke, Esco Bar and Stik that are on the agency’s “Red List.”
The alert covers China, South Korea and the United States.
“Divisions may detain, without physical examination, the tobacco products identified on the Red List of this Import Alert. If the division is not sure whether a tobacco product is the same product as one identified on the Red List, the division should consult with the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP)” the alert states. “CTP concurrence is required to add a product to the Red List.”
In order to remove a firm’s product from the Red List, companies must provide information to the FDA that adequately demonstrates that the firm has resolved the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation.
“The purpose of this is so that the Agency will have confidence that future shipments/entries will be in compliance with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). For further guidance on removal from detention without physical examination, refer to FDAs Regulatory Procedures Manual (RPM), Chapter 9-8, ‘Detention without Physical Examination (DWPE),’” the alert states.
The FDA states that the import alert is to prevent the sale of potentially illegal goods in America; release agency resources to inspect other goods; provide uniform coverage across the country; shift the blame back to the importer to ensure that products imported into the United States comply with FDA laws and regulations, according to the agency.
In June 2009, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gave the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products, recognizing that it is the primary federal regulator for the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, and smokeless tobacco.
The designation rule, published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2016, and effective August 8, 2016, extends FDA’s authority to designated tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, and pipe tobacco, as well as their components and parts, but not their accessories.
This story will be updated as more news and industry reaction becomes available.
May 18, 2023
Breaking: FDA’s Holman Stepping Down to Join PMI
Matt Holman, director of the Office of Science at the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is stepping down immediately to join Philip Morris International.
A Tweet from Katherine Ellen Foley (@katherineefoley), a journalist who covers the FDA for Politico, first announced the news and the FDA has not yet confirmed publicly.
“PMI wouldn’t comment on what role Holman will be taking over; Ben [Apelberg] and Todd Cecil (both currently in CTP) will be rotating interim directors while the search for a permanent head of OS continues,” Foley Tweeted. “Cecil taking first shift.”
Foley’s source is noted as a memo to staff from Brian King, the director of the CTP, who began his position on July 3.
In that memo, obtained by Vapor Voice, King writes that Holman “has been on leave since before my tenure began at the Center, as he has recused himself, consistent with agency policies, from all CTP/FDA work while exploring career opportunities outside of government.”
This story will be updated.
July 26, 2022
Mexico Bans All Vaping and E-Cigarette Products

Credit: Niro World
Mexico has banned all vaping and heated tobacco products. A decree signed Tuesday by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that outlaws the sale of e-cigarettes is in line with continuing the government’s ongoing anti-vaping policy. Heated tobacco products are not exempt from the ban as previously reported they would.
The decision also follows a maximum health alert issued by the country’s federal health risks commission, which declared that all alternative tobacco smoking products can cause major illness, according to El Pais. Federal and local authorities have launched several campaigns to locate and seize these devices in at least a dozen states.
Mexico had already prohibited imports of the devices since at least October. And even before that, consumer protection and other laws had been used to discourage sales, according to the Associated Press.
Despite Tuesday’s decree, many Mexicans import or buy vaping cartridges or fluid under the table or online domestically. Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López Gatell lashed out at industry claims that vaping is safer than smoking, calling it “a big lie.”
The health alerts and legal measures have prompted a debate about vaping devices that are being smuggled into the country, according to El Pais. During the Senate debate about the tax law, Senator Luis Ortiz proposed regulating the market, saying that distribution is being left to the black market in the absence of companies being able to import the products and pay taxes and salaries.
Credit: 5m3 Photos
The government’s own figures estimate that at least 5 million Mexicans have tried vaping at least once.
Although the legal market for vaping products has grown in the country, it still represents a tiny fraction compared to that of conventional cigarettes. Philip Morris International, one of the marketers of these alternatives, went from having 35,000 to nearly 42,000 users of tobacco heaters. According to official government estimates, in the last five years the tobacco industry increased its sales from about 846 to 1.2 billion pesos (about $64 million) a year.
At the same time, according to a study carried out by the Mexican federation of business chambers, illegal tobacco represents 19 percent of the total market. Between 2019 and 2020, although there was an increase in tobacco taxes due to the Special Tax on Products and Services (IEPS), payment of the taxes contracted due to the trade in counterfeit tobacco products.
One of the arguments used to ban all types of vaporizer devices, whether with or without nicotine, is that various flavorings are used to “hook children and adolescents who will later be consumers of other drugs,” Senator Lilia Valdez said before the bill’s approval, according to El Pais.
Andrea Constantini, head of Regional Scientific Engagement for Latin America and Canada at Philip Morris International, says that the ban creates more channels for minors to access unregulated products. Prohibitions, she says, simply lead to a further “lack of control” over the market, with minors acquiring products of varying quality through illicit channels.

June 1, 2022
FEELM Joins U.K. Vaping Awareness Campaign
SMOORE’s flagship atomization tech brand FEELM has signed up to the VApril 2022 consumer awareness campaign to offer specialist smoking-cessation advice to U.K. smokers and encourage them to switch to less harmful alternatives.
Established by the U.K. Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), VApril is the largest campaign worldwide to promote smoking cessation through switchover to vaping.
“Research has shown that vaping increases the likelihood of a successful cigarette quit attempt by 50 percent and is now the U.K.’s most popular way to quit” said John Dunne, director-general of UKVIA.
“However, suspect science and misinformation on vaping are discouraging many smokers from switching to a less harmful alternative. We need to take an evidence-based approach to educate the public about vaping which is what Vapril was designed to do. It is great to see UKVIA member FEELM supporting these events this month.”
During VApril vaping awareness month, FEELM will present the most up-to-date evidence-based vaping facts on social media targeting adult smokers, to help them make the most informed choices.
In April, FEELM teamed up with specialist vape retailer Vapourcore, to give away Core Pro disposable vapes to adult vapers and smokers seeking to switch in London and Manchester. Vapourcore and FEELM jointly introduced this ultra-slim disposable product with ceramic coil in early 2022.
Built to be lightweight and compact, Core Pro is designed specifically for adult smokers looking to switch. It includes a bowl-shaped FEELM ceramic coil with a microporous surface, which increases the surface area in contact with the e-liquid, hence uniform temperatures around the whole coil, lowering the risk of burnt tastes. Moreover, the FEELM ceramic coil features a unique anti-condensation and maze-shaped structure that prevents leakage and spit-back. In 2021, Pro Core won 2021 MUSE Design Award for its technology and design.
“Our aim was to produce a high quality and elegant vaping product for adult smokers and the Core Pro is just this” said Vapourcore CEO Charles Bloom. “Utilizing the FEELM ceramic coil gives the Core Pro a uniquely smooth, flavorsome and very efficient nicotine delivery far superior to other disposables.”

Credit: Smoore
April 25, 2022
U.S. FDA has Processed PMTAs for 4.8 Million Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it received thousands of premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) submissions covering millions of tobacco products, the majority of which came in very close to the Sept. 9, 2020 deadline. The submissions varied substantially in number of tobacco products contained in each submission, size, format and organization, including paper submissions and even hard drives and CDs, according to a press release.
Mitch Zeller speaking at a TMA annual meeting. Photo: Taco Tuinstra
FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) director Mitch Zeller stated as of mid-January 2021, the agency has completed the Processing step of applications for more than 4.8 million products from over 230 companies. “We have accepted applications for about 84,000 products and refused to accept applications for about 3,100 products submitted through the PMTA pathway,” wrote Zeller. “As of mid-January 2021, of the applications submitted by Sept. 9, we have filed applications for about 29,000 products and refused to file applications for about 1,650 products submitted through the PMTA pathway.”
He also stated that several factors have slowed the agency’s progress in getting application’s into the system. Companies submitted PMTAs differently, for example some applicants provided information on one product per submission while other applicants provided information for all of the company’s products within one submission.
“One firm submitted information on more than 4 million tobacco products within a single submission,” Zeller wrote. “The amount of content in each submission also greatly varied, with some applications including up to 2,000,000 files where each file contains multiple pages of content for FDA to review.” The letter is part of a pledge Zeller made that the agency would keep interested stakeholders updated on the agency’s progress.
FDA is prioritizing enforcement against any ENDS product that continues to be sold and for which the agency did not receive a product application. To date, the FDA has sent warning letters to 30 firms who manufacture and operate websites selling electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products, specifically e-liquids, which lack premarket authorization, according to the letter.
The agency also stated that the likelihood of FDA reviewing all the applications by Sept. 9, 2021 is low. Because of the sheer number of applications, the agency has set aside the products with the greatest market share and will push those products through the process more quickly. “[We will] focus resources on products where scientific review will have the greatest public health impact, based on their market share, while also committing to providing an opportunity for review to all companies,” Zeller wrote. This could prove positive or negative as a quick denial would force the product off the market.
The agency can still not confirm when it would release a list of products that are approved to be on the market. Zeller wrote that the agency continues to work on processing submissions and verifying the dates of initial marketing and current marketing status of products that submitted a timely PMTA.
“We have already verified this information for around 86,000 products received through the PMTA pathway,” he wrote. “Due to the size and volume of the PMTA submissions and the variable quality, format and presentation of these submissions, processing these submissions and verifying this information will take more time.”

February 16, 2021