Wow, 2024 has flown by, hasn’t it? It’s been a year of ups and downs for the vape world. On one hand, Chinese vape brands have taken the global stage by storm, showcasing incredible innovation and resilience. On the other hand, regulatory hurdles and outright bans have thrown some serious curveballs. So, let’s take a moment to rewind and recap the top 10 vape industry highlights of the year. Buckle up, it’s been a ride!
1. UK Declares War on Disposable Vapes
It all started on January 29 when the UK Prime Minister announced a plan to ban disposable vapes. After rounds of discussions, the official ban date was set for June 1, 2025. Retailers have until then to clear their inventory. Why the crackdown? Officials cited concerns about protecting children’s health and reducing environmental damage.
As the world’s second-largest vape market, this move is bound to shake things up in the UK. Will consumers switch to refillable or open-system vapes? Or will the black market come knocking? And what about businesses operating in the UK—can they pivot fast enough? Time will tell!
2. China’s Big Cleanup: A 4-Month Vape Market Crackdown
March 18 marked the launch of a nationwide campaign by China’s National Tobacco Administration to regulate the vape market. This four-month operation focused on licensed manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers while cracking down on illegal operations.
The campaign had three phases: mobilization, targeted inspections, and follow-ups. Illegal operators caught without licenses faced severe consequences, including shutdowns. It’s clear—China’s taking vape regulation seriously.
3. Shenzhen Goes Hardcore: Operation Spring Thunder
Shenzhen wasn’t messing around this year. From March 1 to May 31, the city launched “Spring Thunder 2024,” targeting counterfeit and subpar vape products. The local Tobacco Bureau even called for public tip-offs, offering rewards for verified reports.
With hotline numbers and WeChat mini-programs buzzing, Shenzhen showed the world how to run a crackdown. It was a serious blow to counterfeiters and a clear message that quality and safety come first.
4. FDA Gives Mint Flavors the Green Light
On June 21, the U.S. FDA made headlines by approving four menthol-flavored vape products under the NJOY brand via the PMTA process. This was a historic move—up until now, only tobacco flavors had made it through.
The approvals included menthol pods for NJOY’s ACE system and two disposable vapes. This step could open doors for broader flavor variety in the U.S. market, which has been dominated by stricter regulations.
5. America’s New Obsession: Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches had a banner year in 2024. According to Philip Morris International, U.S. sales soared by 80% in the first quarter, and demand was so high that shortages became a problem. To keep up, Philip Morris announced a $600 million investment in a new production facility in Colorado.
The global nicotine pouch market, worth $2.77 billion in 2023, is projected to hit $23.6 billion by 2030, growing at a jaw-dropping 35.8% annually. This is one trend we’ll be watching closely.
6. New Rules, New Game: China Updates Vape Trade Regulations
On September 2, China’s National Tobacco Administration rolled out revised vape trade regulations. The updated rules, spread across six chapters and 30 articles, streamlined licensing, clarified trading types, and simplified compliance processes. These changes reflect China’s ongoing efforts to refine its burgeoning vape market.
7. Germany’s Biggest Vape Seizure Ever
November ended with a bang as German customs officers seized a staggering 650,000 illegal vapes in a warehouse in North Rhine-Westphalia. Two individuals were arrested, and the operation marked Germany’s largest crackdown on illicit vape trading to date.
The sheer scale of the haul highlights the persistent challenges of regulating the global vape market, even in highly organized economies.
8. Vape Giants Shine in Guangdong’s Top 500
December 3 brought good news for Chinese vape manufacturers as seven companies made it onto Guangdong’s Top 500 Manufacturing Enterprises list. Notable names included SMOORE (#46), ALD (#136), and FirstUnion (#191). Compared to last year, four new vape players joined the rankings, showcasing the industry’s growing clout in China’s manufacturing hub.
9. Chicago Customs Seizes $81.5 Million Worth of Illegal Vapes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had a busy year, particularly in Chicago. Over the past 12 months, officers intercepted 3.2 million illegal vape products valued at $81.5 million. Nearly all of these shipments originated from China, reflecting ongoing tensions in the global vape supply chain.
10. The FDA’s Exclusive Club: 34 Authorized Vape Products
As of year-end, the U.S. FDA had only authorized 34 vape products. Without FDA approval, any product risks enforcement actions. This strict regulatory landscape has made it challenging for new players to enter the U.S. market, forcing companies to up their compliance game or risk being left out.
What’s Next?
2024 was a wild year for the vape industry, marked by innovation, regulation, and rapid growth in unexpected areas. With global markets evolving and regulations tightening, 2025 promises to be just as exciting. Stay tuned!
