The number of vapers is growing. It is estimated that one out of every twenty people in the US vape. Not everyone knows that the Chinese patented it in 2003. Since traditional cigarettes are cheap in China, most vape manufacturers are export-oriented. This article discusses sourcing vapes from China to the US, manufacturing areas, US requirements, and tariffs.
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.
To carry out customs clearance in the US, you need at least the following documents:
- 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.