Vape / E-Cigarette → China

Legal but regulated under tobacco monopoly since 2022

Details

China brought e-cigarettes under the state tobacco monopoly (CNTC) in 2022. Personal vaping devices can be brought by travelers. Nicotine e-liquid limited to 20mg/ml. Flavored e-liquids banned for domestic sale but personal imports tolerated in small quantities. Enforcement in China carries fines from CNY 5,000 to CNY 50,000 under Customs Law of the PRC Art. 82; Criminal Law of the PRC Art. 153 (ordinary personal cases are handled as civil infringements). Leaving China with vape / e-cigarette is a separate question — allowed: Vape devices and personal e-cigarette hardware may generally be exported from China freely, though many destinations prohibit import.

Quantity limit

Personal use

Legal reference

E-cigarette Management Measures 2022

Leaving with this item

Vape devices and personal e-cigarette hardware may generally be exported from China freely, though many destinations prohibit import.

Practical advice

Carry the device in carry-on (never checked baggage — lithium battery rule). Quantities above the personal-use threshold for China must be declared to China Customs (GACC) with proof of purchase; e-liquid containers obey the standard 100 ml carry-on liquid rule.

Customs authority

General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) · http://www.customs.gov.cn