As consumer demand for alternative smoking products continues to grow, vaping is on the rise, globally and in Canada.
In 2023, the global vape market size was valued at USD 28.17 billion, and it’s projected to grow at a CAGR of 30.6% by 2030. In Canada, vape market revenue is expected to reach USD 1.4 billion this year.
The substantial rise in the popularity of vaping products among Canadians has been met with increasing governmental regulations, not just around selling and packaging, but around shipping as well.
These new shipping policies have had a significant impact on businesses that ship vape devices and related products. As regulations become more and more stringent, it’s crucial for businesses to be aware of the shipping policies governing how they get their products out to their customers so they can ensure regulatory compliance with provincial and federal laws.
In this article, we’ll explore the logistics involving the shipment of vape products to help businesses avoid legal complications and meet the shipping conditions necessary for the transportation of these items.
Shipping Restrictions for Vape Products
The shipping of vape products, like any other commodity, entails a complex process that requires meticulous planning, legal compliance, and effective supply chain management.
But these goods, which include electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vape pens, and e-liquids, can contain batteries and electronic components as well as substances like nicotine; this makes the products subject to strict regulatory controls, which businesses must adhere to while also maintaining safety measures and customer satisfaction.
And when it comes to shipping carriers, policies on the shipment of vape products will vary. Big carriers like FedEx have stringent restrictions and do not accept–by any means of transport and under any circumstances–the shipping of these goods, while others do permit it, but only by domestic ground services.Let’s break it down:
Carriers that do not permit shipping of vape products:
- FedEx does not accept shipments of e-cigarettes and related vaporized or atomized devices across any of their international and domestic shipping networks, regardless of whether or not they contain nicotine or flammable liquids or gels.
- UPS does not accept shipments of vape-related products across their air and international services, but does accept them for domestic Canada transport by ground.
Carriers that do permit the domestic shipping of vape products by ground include:
Carriers that do permit the domestic shipping of vape products by ground include:
- UPS (standard services)
- Canpar
- Purolator
- Canada Post
To ensure that your business meets the Terms and Conditions around the product you are shipping, please review the policies and restrictions on your chosen carrier’s website.
However, regardless of your chosen carrier’s policies, eShipper does not support cross-border shipments of vape or tobacco products.
Legal Considerations
Regulations for shipping vape products within Canada
Because the shipping of tobacco and vaping products is controlled under Canada’s Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, businesses have to adjust their shipping policies to comply with federal and provincial laws.
- Domestic Canada Shipments: Tobacco products cannot be mailed from one province or territory to another, unless:
- The shipment is being sent between manufacturer and retailer
- The shipment is being sent from consumer to consumer
- The mailer is expressly permitted by federal law to mail the products from one province or territory to another.
Additionally, it is the mailer’s responsibility to ensure that all shipments meet the requirements of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, as well as any other applicable legislation. This includes making sure that the lithium battery in the devices meets the requirements for ground/surface mailing of lithium batteries.
- Proof of Age Requirements: Proof of Age is required by law for all tobacco and vape product shipments, unless:
- The shipment is being sent between manufacturer and retailer
- The shipment is being sent from consumer to consumer
- The shipment contains a prescription as per the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act
- Adult Signature Requirement: For shipments that include tobacco and vaping products, Canadian law mandates that the ‘Adult Signature Required’ option be selected at the time of shipment in order to comply with regulations.
Regulations for shipping vape products to the US
When it comes to cross-border shipments, amendments to the PACT Act have also further strained vape sellers by prohibiting the shipping of these goods to the US.
Sellers that fall under the new bill should take these regulations seriously; otherwise, they risk steep fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment.
Even if a shipper or consignee is permitted to ship and receive tobacco and vaping products under applicable laws and regulations, shipping carriers no longer accept these products for import into or export from the US.
Key Takeaways
As vape industry regulations continue to evolve, it’s essential for businesses to stay informed of changes and adapt their logistics strategies accordingly.
Within Canada, this includes:
- Choosing a carrier and service that permits shipping vape products by ground (UPS, Canpar, Purolator, and Canada Post)
- Limiting your shipments to those within the province in which your business operates, in line with Canadian law
- Adhering to your carrier’s policies as well as governmental regulations, including those that relate to cross-provincial shipping, proof of age, and adult signature requirements
For Canada-US shipping, shipping carriers have simply pulled the plug on tobacco and vape product transport.
For help in navigating these complex regulations, maintaining compliance, and choosing the right shipping partner for your business, reach out to us at eShipper today.
