China, home to hundreds of thousands of vapers and a massive market, has halted online sales of e-cigarettes. Responding to global scandals surrounding these products, authorities are prioritizing public health with swift action.
Months ago, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated a mysterious lung illness striking over 1,000 consumers, linked to vaping. Tragically, nearly twenty deaths have been reported to date, prompting a wave of restrictions.
In September 2019, New York State preemptively banned e-cigarette sales. The Trump administration weighed a countrywide ban, while India prohibited production and use around the same time.
Recently, Juul Labs faced accusations of distributing 1 million contaminated products. This lawsuit may shed light on the mysterious pulmonary disease outbreak in the U.S.
Facing mounting concerns, China followed suit. As reported by Bloomberg on November 1, 2019, the government suspended e-cigarette sales online to protect minors' physical and mental health.
This appears to be a temporary step, with no resumption date set. Authorities directed online platforms and marketplaces to cease sales immediately, though physical retail continues. Clarity from the U.S. scandal could prompt a reversal.
Notably, Reuters estimates China has about 300 million vapers—a lucrative sector. Such bans risk significant revenue loss, as China Tobacco contributes 6% of the nation's tax income.
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