As one of the largest vape manufactures in China, Keystone Vape knows a thing or two about the vaping industry! They recently reached out and asked us to share their China vape factory guide on the history and laws related to Chinese vape factories.
This is a sponsored post written by Lori at Keystone Vape and published by Vaping Hardware. We at Vaping Hardware are not liable for the accuracy and content of this article.
History of Electronic Cigarettes in China

Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, has an interesting history in China. The roots of vaping technology can be traced back to the early 2000s when the first e-cigarette was invented by a Chinese pharmacist named Hon Lik.
Since that time China has been at the center of several exciting developments within the vaping industry:
1. Invention of the E-Cigarette:
In 2008, Hon Lik, a heavy smoker who lost his father to lung cancer, sought to create a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. Inspired by his personal experience and armed with an expertise in pharmacology, he developed the first electronic cigarette.
The device used a battery-powered heating element to vaporize a liquid containing nicotine, producing an aerosol that users could inhale.
2. Early Adoption and Manufacturing:
Hon Lik’s invention quickly gained popularity in China, and local manufacturers started producing e-cigarettes on a larger scale. The technology soon found its way into the international market, with many companies in China exporting e-cigarettes to other countries.
3. Global Expansion and Controversy:
As e-cigarettes gained traction worldwide, they also attracted controversy. Some health experts were concerned about the long-term effects of vaping and the potential risks associated with the chemicals present in e-liquids. Nonetheless, the vaping industry continued to grow, and various companies in China emerged as major players in the global market.
4. Regulatory Challenges:
With the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, Chinese authorities faced the challenge of regulating the industry to ensure consumer safety. The Chinese government gradually introduced regulations and quality standards for e-cigarettes, imposing restrictions on advertising and sales to minors.
5. Technological Advancements:
As the vaping industry matured, Chinese manufacturers continued to innovate and improve the technology. They introduced new designs, more advanced devices, and a wide variety of e-liquid flavors to cater to different consumer preferences.
6. International Impact:
China’s vaping industry played a significant role in shaping the global market for electronic cigarettes. The country’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities and competitive pricing made it a dominant force in the vaping industry.
7. Export and Trade:
China became a leading exporter of vaping products, supplying devices and accessories to countless countries worldwide. Many well-known international vaping brands also sourced their products from Chinese manufacturers.
8. Changing Regulations and Challenges:
The vaping industry faced its fair share of challenges, particularly with regulations becoming stricter in some regions. Several countries imposed bans on flavored e-liquids, restricted advertising, and implemented higher taxes on vaping products.
9. Public Health Concerns:
As vaping became more popular, public health concerns arose about the potential risks, especially among young people. Debates over the efficacy of vaping as a smoking cessation aid versus its appeal to non-smokers sparked ongoing discussions within the scientific and public health communities.
Overall, the history of vaping in China is marked by innovation, expansion, and regulatory challenges. The industry’s future is likely to be shaped by evolving global regulations, technological advancements, and ongoing research into the health effects of vaping.
Chinese Vape Related Laws

Prohibition of Sales to Teenagers
China has taken steps to protect minors from the potential risks associated with vaping. Selling vaping products to individuals under the legal age (usually 18 years old) is prohibited. Retailers are required to verify the age of customers before selling vaping devices, e-liquids, or any related products.
Prohibition of Fruit Flavors
To address concerns about the appeal of flavored vape products to young people, China has implemented restrictions on certain flavors, including fruit flavors. This measure aims to discourage the use of vaping products among minors and reduce the attractiveness of these products to a younger audience.
Manufacturing Standards
China has been working on establishing manufacturing standards for vaping products to ensure product quality and consumer safety. Manufacturers are expected to comply with these standards to legally produce and sell their vaping devices and e-liquids in the country.
Online Sales
The sale of vaping products online is generally allowed in China, but sellers are required to follow age verification protocols to ensure that products are not sold to minors.
Advertisement Restrictions
The Chinese government has imposed strict restrictions on the advertising of vaping products. Advertisements must adhere to guidelines to prevent targeting minors and promoting the consumption of e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to smoking.
Import and Export Regulations
China is a significant exporter of vaping products, but there are also regulations on importing such products into the country. Travelers should be aware of specific rules when bringing vaping products into China or taking them out of the country.
Health Warnings
Similar to many other countries, Chinese law mandates health warnings on vaping product packaging. These warnings highlight potential health risks associated with vaping and the presence of nicotine in e-liquids.
Regional Variations
China is a vast country with a decentralized regulatory system. Some provinces or cities may have additional regulations or variations in the implementation of vaping laws. As a result, the rules may differ slightly depending on the region.
China’s Biggest Vape Manufacturers

China has become a major hub for the production of vaping products, and numerous manufacturers have emerged in the industry. Some of the biggest vape manufacturers in China include:
1. Keystone Vape:
Keystone Vape is a prominent vape manufacturer that offers Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) services for top vape brands.
With 80% of their staff dedicated to Research and Development (R&D) for over a decade and previous experience in superior vape companies, Keystone’s team is well-versed in all aspects of the supply chain. Apart from manufacturing for other brands, Keystone is also establishing its own vape brand, making it an integral part of their business.
They boast a sizable vape factory spanning 10,000 square meters and employ a workforce of 2000 individuals. Keystone’s journey began on the 1st of August 2022, with a vision to prioritize the health of vaping consumers by crafting vapes that offer optimal experiences in a sustainable manner.
2. Vaporesso:
Vaporesso is a prominent and globally recognized vape manufacturer based in China. They are renowned for their innovative designs and high-quality vaping devices. Vaporesso offers a diverse range of products, from user-friendly starter kits to advanced mods, catering to vapers of all experience levels.
3. Geek Vape:
Geek Vape is a well-established brand in the vaping community, known for producing durable and high-performance vaping devices. Their product lineup includes mods, tanks, and rebuildable atomizers that cater to advanced users seeking exceptional performance.
4. Smok:
Smok is one of the largest and most influential vape manufacturers in the world, with a strong presence in the Chinese market. They offer an extensive range of vaping devices, ranging from pod systems for beginners to powerful sub-ohm tanks and mods for experienced vapers.
5. RELX:
RELX is a major Chinese vape manufacturer that has gained widespread popularity for its sleek and user-friendly pod systems. Their focus on providing a satisfying vaping experience has attracted both new and experienced vapers to their products.
6. MOTI:
MOTI is an emerging player in the Chinese vaping industry, specializing in producing compact and portable pod systems. They have gained recognition for their stylish designs and ease of use.
These vape manufacturers contribute significantly to the growth and diversification of the vaping market in China and beyond.
Thank you for reading this guide and we hope you found it useful.
Comments 3
Plz send me address and phone number of these factory vaporesso and geekvape and smok . We wanna work .we already work with industry in dubai but isnot good plz help us
Hi Farzan,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately we don’t have the contact details for those manufacturers. I’m sure you can find this information through Google though. Best of luck.
Hi, you can find Keystone Vape to know more about vape factory.