Exploring Shenzhen’s Vaping Industry: Key Manufacturers, Regulations, and Sourcing Guide

When you’re enjoying that little device called an e-cigarette or vape—whether it’s legal or not in your country—have you ever wondered where it comes from? Surprise: there’s an 80% chance it was made in Shenzhen, China! This city has become the global manufacturing hub for vaping products, from compact disposables to advanced mods and pods. With thousands of factories, experienced engineers, and a fast-moving supply chain, Shenzhen dominates the e-cigarette industry. Today, I’d like to take you on a quick journey into this fascinating industry—from top manufacturers to how these devices go from idea to shelf. If you’re curious about the world behind the vapor, stick around—let’s dive into the heart of the vape capital!

The Rise of the Vaping Industry in Shenzhen

The origins of Shenzhen’s vaping industry date back to 2004, when Chinese pharmacist Han Li invented the modern e-cigarette. He introduced the idea of vaporizing nicotine-infused propylene glycol using a piezoelectric ultrasonic element and filed the first patent for it. Soon after, he founded Ruyan Technology, which began producing and exporting electronic cigarettes—marking the start of Shenzhen’s dominance in the vaping world.

As the industry matured, Shenzhen rapidly transformed from a pure OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) base into an innovation-driven ecosystem. Homegrown brands like RELX and SMOORE emerged as global leaders, supported by strong R&D capabilities and marketing strategies. Today, Bao’an, Longhua, and Guangming districts have become the core hubs for vaping enterprises, housing thousands of companies involved in design, production, and export.

Shenzhen’s success is deeply rooted in its robust electronic supply chain. The city is known for its world-class access to components such as batteries, atomizers, chips, and sensors—all vital for vape production. This infrastructure allows manufacturers to quickly prototype and scale up. For example, entire production runs can be completed within days in “vape streets” like those in Shajing, Bao’an.

Government policy also plays a major role. Bao’an District has announced plans to build a “Global Fog Valley,” supporting the vaping industry with special industrial zones, streamlined export services, and subsidies for tech development. In 2021 alone, China exported over ¥138 billion worth of vaping products—most of them produced in Shenzhen. This strong policy environment accelerates innovation and competitiveness across the region.

Finally, the rapid rise of global demand—particularly from North America and Europe—has fueled Shenzhen’s growth. Even as domestic regulations tighten, Shenzhen’s export-oriented manufacturers continue to thrive by innovating, protecting intellectual property, and delivering products tailored for overseas markets. This international demand cements Shenzhen’s role as the world’s vaping capital

Top Vape Manufacturers in Shenzhen

Government Policies & Regulations

The vaping industry in China, including Shenzhen, is currently governed by increasingly strict national regulations for domestic sales. Since 2022, the Chinese government has classified e-cigarettes as tobacco products, requiring them to comply with standards similar to those of traditional tobacco, including registration, licensing, and product testing. Flavored e-cigarettes are now banned in the domestic market, and all products sold in China must meet national GB standards.

However, while domestic regulation has tightened, the government continues to support the export of electronic cigarettes. Shenzhen, as the epicenter of e-cig manufacturing, benefits from export-friendly policies, trade infrastructure, and local guidelines encouraging innovation and international trade.

Manufacturers in Shenzhen are required to comply with international regulations such as the EU’s TPD (Tobacco Products Directive), the U.S. FDA guidelines, and CE certification for European markets. These standards influence everything from nicotine concentration and labeling to safety and packaging. As a result, factories have had to upgrade production lines, implement quality control systems, and redesign products to meet global compliance.

This regulatory environment has reshaped product development. While many companies shifted focus from domestic sales to overseas markets, they also improved R&D capacity, invested in compliance testing, and developed modular, customizable designs to better meet the varied legal requirements of different countries. In essence, regulation—both restrictive and supportive—has pushed Shenzhen’s vaping industry toward more mature, high-standard global competitiveness.

How to Source Vape Products from Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a global hub for vape manufacturing, making it an ideal place to source vape products for both businesses and individual sellers. When sourcing, it’s important to understand the different models available. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) are great options for businesses aiming to build their own brands. OEM lets you create your own brand with custom packaging and design, while ODM provides semi-customized products based on existing templates. However, for personal sellers or newcomers, working with factories that offer ready-made stock and dropshipping services—especially those with overseas warehouses—can significantly reduce upfront investment and inventory pressure.

Verifying supplier credibility is key to successful sourcing. Look for manufacturers that hold international certifications like CE, RoHS, TPD, or FDA-compliance for exporting. Conducting a factory audit or arranging an on-site visit is highly recommended to ensure production capacity, quality control processes, and legitimacy. You can also request test reports, business licenses, and quality management system documents.

To find trustworthy suppliers, consider sourcing platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China, where you can access detailed profiles, reviews, and trade histories. Attending industry exhibitions in Shenzhen, such as IECIE (the International Electronic Cigarette Industry Expo), offers a great opportunity to meet manufacturers face-to-face. Additionally, hiring a local sourcing agent who understands the market, language, and regulations can help bridge cultural and communication gaps while ensuring smoother transactions.

Risks and Considerations When Sourcing Vape Products from Shenzhen

While Shenzhen is a global powerhouse in vape manufacturing, sourcing from this market comes with its own set of risks and challenges that buyers must be aware of.

One of the most common quality issues involves product reliability—specifically, oil leakage and atomizer malfunction. These problems not only affect user experience but can also damage your brand reputation. To minimize risks, always request samples before bulk purchasing, conduct third-party quality inspections, and ensure the manufacturer follows strict QC protocols. Choose suppliers who use high-grade materials and possess certifications like ISO or GMP.

Shipping and customs regulations are another critical consideration. Many countries have strict rules about importing vape products, especially those containing nicotine. For example, Australia has imposed tight restrictions on nicotine-containing vapes, requiring doctor prescriptions for import. Before shipping, it’s essential to verify local import laws in the destination country. Choose suppliers experienced in export compliance, who can provide complete documentation, including MSDS reports, battery transport certifications (like UN38.3), and customs declarations.

Battery safety and e-liquid compliance are also under increasing scrutiny worldwide. Lithium batteries, commonly used in vape devices, are classified as dangerous goods, and must meet international shipping and safety standards. Look for batteries certified under UN38.3, CE, or UL. For e-liquids, ensure your suppliers use TPD-compliant formulations in Europe or meet FDA and PMTA requirements in the U.S. as needed.

Staying up-to-date with industry regulations and emerging safety standards will help you source confidently and avoid legal or financial setbacks. A proactive approach to quality control, legal compliance, and supplier due diligence can turn sourcing in Shenzhen into a long-term competitive advantage.

The Future of Vaping in Shenzhen

As the global demand for alternative smoking products continues to grow, Shenzhen remains at the forefront of vaping innovation and manufacturing. The city’s future in this industry looks promising, driven by emerging trends, international branding efforts, and new opportunities for global partnerships.

One of the most notable trends is the rise of nicotine salts and disposable vape devices, which offer smoother inhalation and more user-friendly designs. These products are especially popular among new users and those seeking a low-maintenance experience. Additionally, eco-friendly materials—such as biodegradable plastics and refillable systems—are gaining traction as sustainability becomes a bigger priority among consumers and regulators worldwide.

Shenzhen is also shifting from being purely an OEM/ODM hub to developing strong international brands. Well-known names like SMOORE (RELX), OVNS, IPLAY, and UWELL are just a few examples of Shenzhen-born companies that have expanded globally and built their brand recognition overseas. These companies invest heavily in R&D, design, and marketing, reflecting the city’s growing ambition to lead not only in manufacturing but also in branding and consumer engagement.

Furthermore, Shenzhen offers significant opportunities for foreign partnerships and innovation. With its mature supply chain, advanced technology infrastructure, and supportive government policies, the city is an ideal base for international businesses looking to co-develop next-generation vaping products. Whether it’s through technology licensing, joint ventures, or collaborative R&D, Shenzhen is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the global vaping landscape for years to come.