Can You Ship Vapes in the Mail?

If you’re a vaper, you may be wondering if you can still get your favorite e-liquids and vaping devices shipped to your door. The answer is yes and no. While it’s still possible to buy vapes online and have them shipped by mail, it depends on where you’re located, which retailer you’re ordering from, and the carriers available.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently implemented a new rule that bans shipping and delivering vaping products through the US mail. This rule applies to both nicotine and cannabis products and is now in full effect. As a result, individuals and small businesses are no longer allowed to send vapes through the mail. However, other carriers may still allow the shipment of vaping products, depending on the laws and regulations in your area.

It’s important to note that there are also restrictions on hazardous materials and dangerous goods when it comes to shipping. The USPS has guidelines on what can and cannot be sent through the mail, including food, batteries, alcohol, hand sanitizer, liquids, marijuana, or tobacco. Depending on the carrier and the destination, there may be additional restrictions or requirements for shipping vaping products. It’s always a good idea to check with the carrier and your local laws before attempting to ship any vaping products.

Understanding Vapes

What Are Vapes?

Vapes, also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that allow users to inhale aerosolized liquid (commonly known as vapor) instead of smoke. The liquid is usually a mixture of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Vapes come in different shapes and sizes, and some even resemble traditional cigarettes. They have gained popularity as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, as they are considered less harmful.

Vape Components

Vapes consist of several components, including:

• Battery: The battery powers the device and can be rechargeable or disposable.
• Tank/Cartridge: The tank or cartridge holds the liquid, which is heated to produce vapor.
• Coil: The coil is a heating element that vaporizes the liquid.
• Atomizer: The atomizer is responsible for creating the vapor by heating the liquid.
• Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece is where the user inhales the vapor.

Some vapes also have additional features, such as adjustable airflow and temperature control.

It is important to note that the liquid used in vapes can contain harmful chemicals, including nicotine, which is addictive. Additionally, there have been concerns about the safety of some vape devices, especially those that have exploded or caught fire. It is important to use vapes responsibly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Shipping Regulations

When it comes to shipping vapes, there are specific regulations that you need to be aware of. These regulations vary based on whether you are shipping domestically or internationally.

Domestic Shipping Laws

If you are shipping vapes within the United States, you must comply with the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act. This act prohibits the shipment of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco through the mail. In March 2021, the PACT Act was amended to include electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), which include vapes and e-cigarettes.

As of October 21, 2021, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued a final ruling that prohibits individuals and small businesses from sending vapes through the mail. This ruling also applies to electronic cigarettes and other battery-powered nicotine products. Therefore, it is illegal to ship vapes through USPS.

However, private carriers like FedEx and UPS still allow the shipment of vapes, but they have their own set of regulations. These carriers require that the sender and receiver must be 21 years of age or older and that the package must be marked as containing tobacco products.

International Shipping Laws

When it comes to international shipping of vapes, the regulations vary based on the destination country. Some countries have banned the import of vapes altogether, while others have specific regulations in place.

For example, the European Union (EU) has strict regulations regarding the import of vapes. Vapes cannot contain more than 20 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter, and they must be child-resistant and tamper-evident.

It is important to research the specific regulations of the destination country before shipping vapes internationally. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or legal consequences.

In summary, when shipping vapes, it is crucial to be aware of the regulations and laws regarding domestic and international shipping. Always research the specific regulations of the destination country before shipping vapes internationally. And remember, it is illegal to ship vapes through USPS within the United States.

Shipping Companies Policies

When it comes to shipping vapes, it’s important to understand the policies of different shipping companies. Here are the policies of three major shipping companies in the US:

USPS

USPS has recently updated its policies, and as of October 21, 2021, it is prohibited to send vapes, e-cigarettes, and other battery-powered nicotine products through its network. This restriction is part of the COVID Stimulus bill that recently added these substances and devices to the PACT Act of 2009. This means that individuals and small businesses cannot send vapes through the mail using USPS services, including hybrid services such as Mail Innovations or SurePost that use USPS for last-mile delivery.

FedEx

FedEx allows the shipping of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices but not with lithium-ion batteries. They must be shipped without batteries or with batteries that are installed in the device. The company also requires that a “Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods” form be filled out and attached to the package. The form confirms that the package does not contain any dangerous goods, including lithium-ion batteries.

UPS

UPS allows the shipping of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, but they must be shipped without batteries or with batteries that are installed in the device. The company requires that a “Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods” form be filled out and attached to the package. The form confirms that the package does not contain any dangerous goods, including lithium-ion batteries.

It’s important to note that the policies of shipping companies can change at any time, so it’s always a good idea to check their websites for the most up-to-date information before shipping vapes or any other products.

Packaging Vapes for Shipment

When shipping vapes, it is important to ensure that they are packaged properly to prevent damage during transit. Here are some tips for packaging vapes for shipment:

• Use a sturdy box: Choose a box that is sturdy enough to protect the contents during transit. A box made of corrugated cardboard is a good choice.
• Wrap the vape in bubble wrap: Wrap the vape in bubble wrap to protect it from impact during transit. Make sure that the bubble wrap is thick enough to provide adequate protection.
• Use packing peanuts: Fill the empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts to prevent the vape from moving around during transit. This will help to prevent damage to the vape.
• Seal the box with packing tape: Use packing tape to seal the box securely. Make sure that the tape is applied to all seams and corners of the box.
• Label the box: Clearly label the box with the recipient’s address and your return address. This will help to ensure that the package is delivered to the correct address.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your vapes arrive at their destination in good condition. Remember to check with your carrier to ensure that you are complying with all regulations regarding the shipment of vapes.

Insurance and Liabilities

When shipping vapes, it’s important to consider insurance and liabilities. If you’re a retailer or manufacturer, you may want to purchase insurance to protect yourself in case of damage or loss during shipping. This can help cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged products and prevent financial loss.

It’s also important to consider liabilities when shipping vapes. If a customer claims that a vape product caused harm or injury, you may be held liable. To protect yourself, make sure you have clear terms and conditions regarding product use and safety. Additionally, consider including warnings and instructions on your packaging to help prevent misuse.

When shipping vapes, it’s important to follow all legal regulations and guidelines. This includes complying with age restrictions and shipping restrictions imposed by carriers. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal and financial consequences.

Overall, it’s important to take the necessary precautions when shipping vapes to protect yourself and your customers. By following legal regulations, purchasing insurance, and including warnings and instructions, you can help prevent liability and ensure a smooth shipping process.

Alternatives to Mailing Vapes

If you’re unable to ship vapes in the mail due to legal restrictions or other reasons, there are a few alternatives you can consider.

Buy Locally

One option is to purchase vapes from a local brick-and-mortar store. This way, you can avoid any potential legal issues associated with shipping vapes in the mail. Additionally, buying locally can provide you with the opportunity to see and test out different products before making a purchase.

Use Private Shipping Companies

Another option is to use private shipping companies, such as UPS or FedEx, to ship vapes. However, it’s important to note that these companies may also have restrictions on shipping vapes, so it’s important to check their policies beforehand.

Use Online Marketplaces

Finally, you can also consider using online marketplaces, such as eBay or Amazon, to purchase vapes. While these platforms may not have the same restrictions as USPS, it’s important to carefully read the product descriptions and seller reviews to ensure you’re purchasing a legitimate product.

Regardless of which alternative you choose, it’s important to always follow any applicable laws and regulations regarding the purchase and use of vapes.