China’s Jiangsu Tobacco Monopoly Bureau and Drug Regulator Target Illegal Vape Sales Disguised as Medical Devices, Define Six Violations

Aug.04
China’s Jiangsu Tobacco Monopoly Bureau and Drug Regulator Target Illegal Vape Sales Disguised as Medical Devices, Define Six Violations
China’s Jiangsu Tobacco Monopoly Bureau and Jiangsu Provincial Medical Products Administration have issued a joint notice targeting illegal production and sales of vape products disguised as medical devices. The notice identifies six categories of violations, including obtaining medical licenses through false materials, misusing medical device credentials, expanding production beyond approved scopes, and using medical device-related online platforms to promote or sell vape products. The action is based on China’s tobacco and medical device regulations and aims to strengthen vape oversight and consumer protection.

Key Points

  • China’s Jiangsu Tobacco Monopoly Bureau and Jiangsu Provincial Medical Products Administration issued a joint regulatory notice.
  • The notice targets illegal vape production and sales conducted under the name of medical devices.
  • Six categories of violations cover production, sales, promotion, storage and transportation.
  • The notice cites China’s tobacco and medical device regulatory frameworks.
  • Authorities encouraged the public to report suspected violations through official hotlines.

2Firsts

August 4, 2026

On July 29, 2026, China’s Jiangsu Tobacco Monopoly Bureau and Jiangsu Provincial Medical Products Administration issued a joint notice targeting illegal production and sales of vape products conducted under the name of medical devices.

The notice, dated July 27, 2026, stated that authorities would take action against activities that use medical device identities or credentials to avoid vape regulation.

The notice cited China’s Tobacco Monopoly Law, the Administrative Measures for Electronic Cigarettes, the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices and other related rules, including the State Council General Office’s 2025 guideline on combating tobacco-related illegal activities across the supply chain.

China’s Jiangsu Regulators Target Vape Activities Disguised as Medical Devices

The joint notice focuses on: illegal production and sales of vape products under the name of medical devices.

Authorities said some entities may attempt to package or market vape products through:

  • medical device names;
  • medical administrative approvals or filings;
  • medical device-related online service qualifications.

The regulators said the action aims to protect national interests, consumer rights and public health.

Six Categories of Violations Listed by Regulators

The Jiangsu regulators identified six categories of activities subject to enforcement:

Category

Specific Conduct

Licenses and filings

Obtaining medical approvals or filings through false materials or deceptive methods to produce or sell vapes

Credentials and certificates

Forging, altering or misusing medical device licenses or filing documents

Product identity

Using medical device names to illegally produce or sell vapes

Production scope

Expanding production beyond the scope stated in medical device production licenses

Online sales

Using medical device online trading platforms, websites, apps or services to promote or sell vapes illegally

Storage and logistics

Using medical device identities to illegally store, transport or deliver vape products

The measures cover multiple stages of the vape supply chain, including manufacturing, promotion, sales and logistics.

China Regulators Focus on Vape Products Using Alternative Identities

The Jiangsu notice comes as Chinese regulators continue examining cases involving vape products marketed under alternative product identities or credentials.

Previously, Beijing authorities disclosed a criminal case involving aerosol products marketed as “medical nebulizers” and “zero-nicotine” products. Authorities classified the products involved as counterfeit vapes and pursued criminal proceedings.

The Jiangsu notice establishes a regulatory framework targeting the use of medical device identities to illegally produce and sell vape products.

The notice applies to illegal use of medical device identities to avoid vape regulation, rather than all medical device companies or all aerosol products.

Jiangsu Establishes Public Reporting Channels

The notice also introduced public reporting channels.

Individuals and organizations can report suspected violations through:

  • 12313 tobacco monopoly hotline;
  • China’s national 12315 consumer complaint platform.

Authorities said verified reports may receive rewards under relevant rules, while protecting the personal information and safety of whistleblowers.

The joint notice reflects China’s efforts to strengthen coordination between tobacco monopoly regulation and medical product oversight, with regulators paying closer attention to activities that use alternative industry credentials to avoid vape controls.

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Cover Image source: Jiangsu Tobacco Monopoly Bureau


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