Importing E-Cigarettes from China - Key Steps and Regulations!

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Andy Yu
Author

What should I know before importing vapes from China? We hear this question from our clients a lot. Today, we will offer detailed answers.

Of course, the vape industry is rising fast more than ever. It is also projected to keep expanding in the coming years. If you want to get started, you are better positioned for more profits with imports from China.

But how do you get these imports? This article addresses all the product sourcing steps you need to know. Keep reading to learn how to implement a successful vape import.

E-cigarette Regulations in Key Countries

Country Import Regulations Sales Restrictions
USA
  • Regulated by the FDA. 
  • Strict regulations on manufacturing, labeling, and marketing.
  • Varies by state. 
  • Some states have banned sales.
  • Some states have age restrictions.
EU
  • Regulated by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). 
  • Strict regulations on product standards, labeling, and advertising.
  • Age restrictions.
  • Restrictions on advertising.
  • Bans on certain flavors.
UK
  • Regulated by MHRA. 
  • Less restrictive than the EU.
  • Age restrictions.
  • Restrictions on advertising.
Australia
  • Strictly regulated.
  • Requires registration and approval of products.
  • Age restrictions.
  • Restrictions on advertising.
  • Bans on certain flavors.
Canada
  • Regulated by Health Canada.
  • Requires licensing and approval of products.
  • Age restrictions.
  • Restrictions on advertising.
  • Bans on certain flavors.

How to Import E-cigarettes from China: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Import E-cigarettes from China

China suppliers offer affordable and high-quality vape exports with astonishing resale value. Undoubtedly, the product has a growing market. More people see it as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.

However, how do you get the product from China and send it to your home country? Here are crucial steps to follow going into China e-cigarette market: 

Step 1: Check the Rules

Know the import regulations for e-cigarettes. When you leap off blinding, you lose effort and money. Importation is a process with several legal regulations. We recommend you work with a sourcing agent to ensure compliance with e-cigarette imports. 

Step 2: Know Your Market

Market research is a crucial step to ensure you sell your products. It is best to know what your demographics want. Do they prefer disposable or rechargeable? Gathering information regarding preferences ensures you sell products to your potential customers’ needs. 

Step 3: Contact Suppliers

Contact E-cigarette suppliers in China

Product sourcing is the next and undoubtedly arduous step. You need to find China e-cigarette suppliers willing to bend to your demands. Also, you want to avoid scammers. 

Use online directories and Chinese wholesale websites to find suppliers. And if you can, visit trade fairs in China to connect directly with suppliers. There are several Chinese trade shows. 

Step 4: Track Product Quality

Quality control and negotiation are essential for the best deals. We understand how difficult quality control in China can be. Our team has handled several cases of this kind.

A client from the UK wanted to get about 100 disposable vapes. He had shortlisted some notable companies but wanted to ensure they offer quality. We ensured the company has the following certificates;

  • ISO 13485
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 18000
  • GMP
  • QS

Also, we checked the company’s manufacturing units to ensure they were up to date. After much research, we helped him find a manufacturer in China. The partnership was seamless. 

Step 5: Handle Customs

Customs can lead to several roadblocks. Know customs for e-cigarette imports to prevent delays or penalties. You can get a professional on your side or research the customs websites of both countries. This way, you can prepare ahead and know how to handle this crucial step of the sourcing process

Sourcing for vapes from China is a lot of work. It can get really overwhelming. We understand how difficult starting a business gets. So, why bother about imports when you can do other crucial things?

We recommend you hire an agent who offers global sourcing. And we can only recommend the best agency we know, OwlSourcing! Tell us about the vape types you want, and we will handle the rest. 

Top E-cigarette Manufacturing Provinces in China

City Key Strengths
Shenzhen It is a famous place for electronics manufacturing, including e-cigarettes. Suppliers from this region have a strong supply chain and skilled labor.
Dongguan Dongguan is famous for precision manufacturing and electronics assembly. Vape suppliers from this region have efficient production processes.
Hangzhou This city is becoming a growing place for e-cigarette manufacturing. The suppliers from this region have a strong industrial base and a trained workforce.
Shaanxi Shaanxi has several major tobacco companies. The suppliers from this region have begun diversifying into e-cigarette production.

Different Types of Vapes in E-cigarette Wholesale China

Different Types of Vapes in E-cigarette Wholesale China

Vapes come in different designs and functionality. When entering the import market, you must know the types. This way, you know which product you want to get.

It further streamlines the product sourcing process in China. That said, here is a table with the top vape products in China and a brief description: 

Vape Types Description
Reusable e-cigarettes Reusable vapes allow continuous usage. Users can recharge the vape and keep refilling when the liquid gets exhausted.  
Disposable vapes Disposable vapes are built for single use. After a user reaches a set puff count, it is disposed of. Most vapes in this category have 500 to 600 puff count. 
Rechargeable e-cigarettes These products differ from reusable cigarettes. All reusable goods are rechargeable, but not vice versa. One can recharge them several times. 
E-cigarette pens Vape pens offer more customization options to users. Users can adjust the fluid and other features. It has a sleek, pen-like appearance; hence, its name. 
Ciga-like  A Ciga-like vape looks like an actual cigarette. It is ideal for a demographic trying to quit smoking. It has compact batteries and a slim-down look. 
Vape Mods Vape Mods allow you to customize all the settings down to the wattage and temperature. This vape appeals to those who have more experience. It might not be ideal for widespread use. 

It is crucial to know how the wholesale vape product in China differs from the other. This way, you get the exact product you need. 

Some demographics lean better toward a particular vape type than others. Do market research to know which applies to your chosen demographics and go with it. 

Key Tests for E-cigarettes Show drafts

Test Purpose
Nicotine Content This test can find the amount of nicotine present in the e-liquid.
Volatile Organic Compounds This test finds harmful VOCs emitted during vaping.
Heavy Metals This test checks the presence of lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Aldehydes and Ketones This test measures the levels of irritating compounds.
Battery Safety This test evaluates the safety of the battery.
Device Leakage This test finds leaks in the device that might lead to e-liquid spillage.
Flavoring Compounds This test identifies the flavoring compounds used in the e-liquid.

Finding E-cigarette Suppliers in China 

Finding E-cigarette Suppliers in China 

China suppliers are helpful in providing a good import experience. Hence, we always double down on finding suitable suppliers. Here, we highlight all you need to do to find the right supplier: 

1) Visit online directories

You can visit platforms like Alibaba and 1688. Check the ratings and reviews. Ensure that the suppliers have positive reviews and ratings. 

2) Check the qualifications

Does the company have the necessary certifications? The certifications include business licenses and others. Confirm if the qualifications follow your industry standards.

3) Communicate

You need to express your desire. Ask about the manufacturing process and quality control measures. You can also discuss possible pricing and shipping methods. 

4) Sampling 

Sampling helps you see the company’s product performance. It also offers insight into how they approach production. 

5) Quality Control

You want to ensure the product has top-tier quality. Go for production tours and hire a third-party quality inspection in China

You can also discuss customization options for new product development. Many suppliers are wholesalers who offer named brands in bulk. However, some suppliers are manufacturers. The former doesn’t offer customization, but the latter does.

You can discuss what kind of branding you are going for. Sourcing custom products gives you the power to design the vape as you desire.

What Are the Shipping Options for Vapes from China?

Shipping Options for Vapes from China

Deciding on the shipping option for your vapes from China depends on several factors. You have to consider the cost, speed, size, and fragility. All these factors will ensure you stick with the right choice.

You must choose the right China shipping service. You can decide which shipping method to choose by considering the above factors. For speed, choose express and air freight service from China. For larger orders, Sea shipping from China is ideal. Moreover, the faster options are more expensive. 

Read More:

Final Thoughts!

Several factors come into play when importing vapes into a specific country. Keeping track of all the steps can be difficult. As a newcomer, you might fail at some steps, which can cost you more. However, the story doesn’t have to play out that way.

You can manage the sourcing process with our help. We understand everything about the vape industry. Contact us today to get your imports started. You don’t have to be troubled about anything, as our team does it from start to finish.

In 2016, Andy spearheaded OwlSourcing's mission to simplify global imports. Our goal was to establish an information-sharing platform for global imports and product sourcing. We handle all the logistics, enabling you to concentrate on marketing and sales. Consider us your external procurement department in Asia, with fees billed upon order confirmation. For a comprehensive service breakdown, please visit our service page

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