Shopify is set to prohibit the sale of all vape products on its e-commerce platform as early as this week, following sustained pressure from a bipartisan coalition of 25 U.S. state attorneys general seeking stronger action against the growing market for illegal e-cigarettes. According to sources familiar with the matter, the move is aimed at curbing online sales of vaping products that lack the required regulatory approvals or violate U.S. laws.
The decision marks a significant development in efforts to tackle the illegal vape industry, which is estimated to be worth nearly $9 billion in the United States. Unlicensed vaping products, many of which are manufactured in China, continue to be widely available despite restrictions on their import and sale. Shopify stated that it has always prohibited illegal activities on its platform and regularly updates its enforcement measures to comply with evolving legal requirements.
The ban is expected to apply to all vape products sold through Shopify in the United States, regardless of whether they have received authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Meanwhile, payment giant Mastercard has also intensified scrutiny of vape-related transactions, warning financial partners that facilitating sales of illegal vaping products could result in investigations and penalties. Industry observers believe the Shopify ban could significantly disrupt online vape sales and further tighten pressure on unauthorized sellers.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
