The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has intensified its crackdown on distributors of unregulated vapes, a move that significantly challenges the multi-billion dollar industry and could benefit major tobacco companies. In a key action, the USPS has barred New York-based distributor Demand Vape from using its mailing services.
This decision came after the New York City Law Department provided evidence that the company was shipping vapes that lacked required U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization and violated local flavor bans. While Demand Vape contests the revocation, the action highlights the increasing pressure on an industry operating in what some call a "regulatory grey zone" due to limited FDA product approvals.
Under a 2021 law, USPS is highly restricted from mailing vapes, with limited exceptions for business-to-business shipments that meet stringent legal compliance. With other major carriers like FedEx also refusing to ship vapes, this USPS enforcement action creates significant logistical and financial hurdles for the unauthorized vape market.
