Sourcing Vapes from China to the US: A Complete Importer's Guide

After sourcing electronics for US clients for two decades, I've seen the vape market explode—but many importers trip up on the complex regulations and steep tariffs. China produces the vast majority of the world's e-cigarettes, yet without proper due diligence, your shipment could face FDA holds or 27.6% duties. Here's what you need to know before ordering from Shenzhen.

Sourcing vapes from China to the US

Where are vape suppliers in China?

Vapes (vape pens, vaporizers, e-hookahs, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes) are electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). They can be in a shape of a pen, mods, box, USB flash drive, etc. 

The largest vape production site in China is Shenzhen in Guangdong province, known for being innovative and forward-looking. In the same province, e-cigarettes can also be imported from Dongguan, Guangzhou, and Huizhou. Another place to source vapes from is Shanghai. 

Trade fairs in China

In Chinese business culture, good interpersonal relationships are essential. The better relationship you have with your business partner, the more likely they will agree to your terms. 

If you plan to source vapes, you may benefit from attending trade shows such as: 

Yiwu Fair 

Venue: Jinhua – Yiwu International Expo Center, Zhejiang, China 

Official website: en.yiwufair.com 

Yiwu Fair is the most influential fair for daily consumer goods in China that has been running since 1995. It exhibits a wide range of consumer goods, including vapes. 

World Battery Industry Expo 

Venue: Guangzhou – China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair Complex), Guangdong, China 

Official website: battery-expo.com 

The World Battery Industry Expo is called the “world battery industry expo and the Asia Pacific battery exhibition” and “the battery industry Canton Fair.” The expo includes electronic cigarettes. 

Vapes sourced to the US

US tariffs for vapes

The US tariffs can be found in the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) for free. The HS code for electronic cigarettes and similar personal electric vaporizing devices is 8543.40.00 

• 8543.40.00.30 for vapes with substances containing nicotine 
• 8543.40.00.40 for vapes with other substances. 

The general rate for vapes is 2.6%. The US duty for e-cigarettes sourced from China is 27.6% due to an additional 25% tariff. 

Vapes requirements

Electrical equipment imported into the US must comply with the regulations. The FDA regulates introducing the END into the US, from the manufacture, import, packaging, labeling, advertising, promotion, sale, to distribution. 

One of the companies that checks product compliance in the US is Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The UL is an accredited laboratory for FCC testing, which is needed for such products in the US. If the product complies with the law, you must affix the FCC mark. 

If the vape is intended for sale in California, it must comply with the state law California 65. 

Remember: FDA compliance and FCC certification aren't optional—they're enforced at customs. Don't gamble on supplier quality or labeling. A US-based team like China-Check can verify your factory, inspect your vapes before shipment, and ensure your documentation is airtight, saving you from costly surprises at the port.

• Commercial Invoice provided by the exporter 
• Packing List 
• Bill of Lading (B/L, BOL). 

Sourcing vapes from China to the US – to sum up

• China is the top exporter of electronic equipment, including e-cigarettes.
• Shenzhen in Guangdong is the main vape production site.
• If you want to source from China, consider attending trade fairs to meet valuable suppliers.
• The US customs duty on vapes is over 20%.
• Vapes in the US have to be FCC-compliant.
• Before you place an order, make sure to verify the supplier.