Smoking in China
In China, smoking and the sale of cigarettes is legally allowed, and they can be purchased online, but buying them from vending machines is not permitted. Importing cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license. However, there is a complete ban on all tobacco advertising, and health warnings on cigarette packaging are required. The minimum legal age for purchasing cigarettes is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places as well. Cigarettes are subject to a total taxation rate of 52% with a specific excise component of 0.98%. As of 2024, China had an estimated 288.3 million current adult smokers, with an adult smoking prevalence of 24.4%. Among males, the smoking prevalence was 46.4%, and among females, it was only 1.9%. The number of daily smokers was approximately 256.9 million, with an adult daily smoking prevalence of 20.3%—38.6% among males and 1.3% among females. According to 2021 data, tobacco smoking caused about 2.7 million deaths in China—2.2 million among males and 490,700 among females. This presents that smoking accounted for 22.78% of all deaths in the country, including 31.81% of male deaths and 10.11% of female deaths.
Read articles from China
March 26, 2026 by chosun.com
Chinese Government Balances Equality and Capitalism in Cigarette Market
Growing attention is being paid to how taxation of nicotine products can shape both consumer behaviour and public health outcomes. Governments are increasingly using fiscal policy not only to raise revenue but also to discourage the use of higher-risk products such as combustible cigarettes. At the same time, the rise of alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco is complicating traditional tax frameworks. Policymakers face the challenge of aligning taxation with relative risk in order to support harm reduction while maintaining regulatory consistency. The debate highlights broader tensions between economic priorities and the goal of reducing smoking-related harm.
March 18, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Nearly half of Europe’s vape market comes from irregular sources, study finds
A study by Fraunhofer Institute reveals that almost half of vapes in Europe stem from irregular sources, amounting to a €6.6 billion market. The research, tracking supply chains and customs data, unveils links to illegal transactions. China dominates as the main supplier, particularly from Shenzhen, with 90% of products coming from there. Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium serve as key distribution centers. Enforcement faces challenges due to increasing parcel volumes. These irregular trades cause tax losses and pressure legitimate retailers, with bans likely to boost illicit market growth. Recommendations include digital tracking systems and enhanced cooperation to combat the issue.
February 23, 2026 by reuters.com
China regulator orders e-cigarette makers to halt new plants
On Friday, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration of China issued a notice aimed at curbing price wars in the country’s e-cigarette industry. The regulator instructed manufacturers to address overcapacity by suspending new investment projects and halting the construction of additional production plants. Although it stated that the overall capacity utilisation rate remains at a high level, the authority expressed concern about excessive expansion and intensified competition. The notice also warned companies not to circumvent the directive by building facilities officially designated for other products but in reality used to manufacture e-cigarettes.
December 02, 2025 by chinadaily.com.cn
Tobacco control measures shouldn't go up in smoke
China has struggled with high smoking rates despite efforts. In the past decade, the number of smokers decreased but remains at 300 million. Public opinion on smoking has shifted due to campaigns and regulations. China now aims to further reduce smoking rates to 20% by 2030. Challenges include enforcement in public spaces and among businesses. Stricter laws and increased tobacco taxes have shown progress, with 60 million fewer smokers in recent years. To meet future targets, continued public and administrative support is crucial. Failure to enforce regulations may hinder efforts to improve public health and reduce smoking rates in China.
August 11, 2025 by vaping360.com
Does Trump Intend to Keep His Promise to Save Vaping?
Recent comments from Trump administration health officials have added to confusion over President Trump’s policy on vaping and nicotine. While Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week promised “fast-tracked approvals" of vaping products, his subordinate leading the FDA has shown no apparent interest in carrying out such a plan, and urged that the FDA’s war against “illegal products” be expanded to vape shops.
March 25, 2025 by cspdailynews.com
U.S. Representatives Call on Trump Administration to Crack Down on Chinese-Made E-Cigarettes
Three U.S. representatives urge Trump administration to address illegal Chinese e-cigarette smuggling, impacting American public health and youth vaping. Despite existing federal task forces, they advocate for stronger enforcement actions, emphasizing the need to seize unauthorized products. The congressmen highlight the contradiction of China banning flavored e-cigarettes domestically while exporting them globally. Recent seizures in Miami raised concerns about the safety and prevalence of these products, originating from China. The letter calls for utilizing all available enforcement tools to combat illicit vape sales in the U.S., stressing the urgency to protect public health.
February 07, 2025 by vaping360.com
Chinese-Made Vapes Now Subject to 35% Tariff
The first punitive tariffs on Chinese products imposed by the second Trump administration took effect Feb. 4. The new tariffs impose an across-the-board 10 percent levy on products from China, including the vast majority of vapes used by American consumers. China reacted immediately, imposing a retaliatory 15 percent tariff on (...)
February 04, 2025 by theguardian.com
Lung Cancer Diagnoses on the Rise Among Never-Smokers Worldwide
The proportion of people being diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked is increasing, with air pollution an “important factor”, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency has said.
November 15, 2024 by thewest.com.au
China’s State-Owned Tobacco Behemoth is Booming, Defying Global Trends and Anti-Smoking Efforts
China is bucking global smoking trends as cigarette sales surge in the country, powered by “the biggest tobacco company most people have never heard of”. The China National Tobacco Corporation, commonly known as China Tobacco, has a near monopoly on China’s tobacco product sales, which has seen the state-owned company grow into the largest cigarette producer in the world despite its relative obscurity abroad.
October 29, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com
Taiwan Worried About ‘Zombie Vapes’
Taiwan is alarmed by the rise of "zombie vapes" containing etomidate, a dangerous substance inducing anesthesia. Taiwaneses authorities have seized a significant number of cartridges. The abuse of etomidate can lead to severe consequences, and there is a proposal to upgrade its classification. E-cigarette use among students is increasing, prompting Taiwan to ban vapes in 2023.
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