What Is the Difference Between Custom-Blended E-Liquid and DIY E-Liquid?

 　　The chaos surrounding e-liquids is something everyone has probably heard about, so today let's talk about a more specific type of e-liquid.

  　　We generally consider "custom-blended e-liquids" to be a type of liquid that imitates genuine e-liquids.   　　Some custom blends simply replicate flavors without copying the packaging, and are sold at reasonable prices.   　　This type cannot be considered fake e-liquid, but its safety is questionable (which I will discuss later).   　　Others, to put it bluntly, are fake e-liquids.   　　Whether the flavor is similar or not is another matter, but the packaging is indeed designed to deceive.   　　Manufacturers (even small workshops) produce such e-liquids and sell them to retailers at low prices.   　　Retailers can then sell them as genuine products to you, the reader of this article.   　　For example, they:   　　These are just the tip of the iceberg, and they are openly sold.   　　The profit chain of fake e-liquids naturally includes countless under-the-table transactions.   　　The wholesale price of these products is surprisingly low, allowing unscrupulous retailers to buy these custom blends and sell them as genuine products for a huge profit.   　　Unless... a retailer explicitly states that they are selling fake e-liquids...   　　The reason there are so many retailers selling fake e-liquids is fundamentally driven by profit.   　　The objective reason is: insufficient regulatory enforcement and low costs of counterfeiting and selling fakes.   　　Having discussed "custom blends," let's talk about "DIY e-liquids."   　　DIY e-liquids refer to those made by players or independent e-liquid studios (I coined this term; you get the idea) who purchase raw materials in small batches to create e-liquids for sale or personal use.   　　In fact, custom blends that simply replicate flavors can fall under the category of DIY e-liquids.   　　These types of e-liquids are relatively niche, and some of them are exceptionally good to vape.   　　The main difference from most e-liquids on the market is: "less" but "better."   　　In fact, the boundary between DIY e-liquids and ordinary commercial e-liquids is quite blurred.   　　For example, e-liquids produced in bulk after a studio customizes a flavor can also be called DIY.   　　However, DIY e-liquids have a significant characteristic: they generally lack distributors and are sold exclusively by the players or studios.   　　So, do DIY e-liquids have no drawbacks?   　　The answer is certainly no.   　　DIY e-liquids are more likely to lack regulation, and sellers may use substandard raw materials to produce e-liquids.   　　Here’s a scoop: a very well-known DIY e-liquid shop sought to purchase industrial VG two years ago.   　　What did they buy it for? To water plants? Emmm...   　　As for whether they later chose to reform or continued down the wrong path, that remains unknown.   　　This matter really relies on conscience.   　　Although the current regulatory framework for commercial e-liquids in our country is not yet clear,   　　the raw materials for making e-liquids do have safety certificates, and their safety levels are clearly defined.   　　Taking VG as an example:   　　CIQ: China Customs Inspection and Quarantine Bureau Food Hygiene License (only food-grade glycerin has this)   　　COA: Component quality inspection report   　　Kosher: Jewish dietary certification (not necessarily available)   　　Halal: Halal dietary certification (not necessarily available)   　　The existence of CIQ is due to the fact that a significant portion of VG relies on imports, so imported glycerin must have this license.   　　COA: This can be a component list filled out by the factory or a report from an authoritative testing agency.   　　Kosher and Halal can indirectly prove that the product is pure vegetable glycerin.   　　The above certifications are relatively common, of course, there are many certification systems established by various brands that do not have universal applicability and can be disregarded.   　　Unfortunately, glycerin suppliers may not provide these certifications to small e-liquid manufacturers, let alone to players and studios.   　　These sellers do not necessarily use substandard products; they just really do not have these certificates.   　　As for licenses, at present, we cannot demand them.   　　Fake e-liquids and some DIY e-liquids also have a production environment issue.   　　Whether they can disinfect in a timely manner, whether microorganisms exceed standards, and whether production meets hygiene standards are all things to pay attention to.   　　After all, players and studios may not always be able to operate in compliance with regulations.   　　If it’s made by someone you trust, then exceptions can be made, as you know what kind of person they are better than I do.   　　Still, safety is no small matter.   　　Especially now, when the safety of e-liquids has not yet been clearly regulated.   　　So that’s it for today; mainly discussing the concepts of "custom blends" and "DIY."   　　As for whether people will choose to purchase these types of products, it depends on personal considerations.