3 Days After Online Vape Sales Ban: JD and Taobao Still Selling

As of now, the effect of the online sales ban on e-cigarettes is not ideal. On the evening of November 1, two departments jointly issued a notice titled "Further Protecting Minors from the Harm of E-Cigarettes," which is the online sales ban on e-cigarettes. However, three days after its release, the effect is not obvious.

Platforms such as JD, Taobao, Xianyu, and Tmall are still selling e-cigarettes. Pinduoduo had previously blocked search results for the keyword "e-cigarette," but later lifted the block.

The document urges e-cigarette manufacturers and sellers to promptly shut down their e-cigarette online sales websites or apps; urges e-commerce platforms to promptly close e-cigarette stores and take e-cigarette products off the shelves; and urges e-cigarette manufacturers and sellers to withdraw e-cigarette advertisements published online.

After the release of the document, what is the current effect? According to Nandu's analysis, some e-commerce platforms have removed related products, while others are still selling e-cigarettes. Some platforms have lifted the previously blocked search keywords.

For example, on the evening of the 1st, Pinduoduo had blocked search results for keywords like "e-cigarette" and "Flow"—searching for these keywords yielded no e-cigarette products.

However, when reporters searched again around 20:00 on the 3rd, all the aforementioned keywords could be used to search for e-cigarette products.

At the same time, major e-commerce platforms such as JD, Taobao, Xianyu, Tmall, and Jumei have not removed e-cigarette products in recent days, allowing consumers to purchase without obstruction.

However, some platforms have taken action and have actually removed e-cigarettes. For example, 1HaoDian and Gome, which were still selling e-cigarettes on the evening of the 1st, had removed related products by the 3rd.
 
On the evening of the 1st (left image), Pinduoduo blocked the search results for "e-cigarette," and on the 3rd (right image), the block was lifted.

"The person in charge is currently addressing this matter"

After the official announcement of the online ban on e-cigarettes, brands like RELX and Flow quickly issued statements supporting the decision. For example, RELX claimed it would fully implement actions to terminate all online sales and advertising of RELX.

However, based on the situation of several major e-commerce platforms, the "actions" of the relevant brands have not yet been implemented.

On the evening of November 3, customer service from the "RELX JD Self-operated Flagship Store" told Nandu, "There is currently no notice to close the store." Customer service from the "FLOW E-Cigarette Specialty Store" stated, "We just received this information, and the person in charge is currently addressing this matter."

"Orders that have already been purchased will be shipped normally, please rest assured," said FLOW customer service.