E-cigarette cartridges are also tobacco: two men arrested for selling cartridges without a license

In recent years, new tobacco products have emerged one after another, and many brands have taken the opportunity to launch heated tobacco sticks, which have become a "new favorite" for many smokers. However, according to relevant laws and regulations, e-cigarette cartridges fall within the scope of tobacco products, and any organization or individual must obtain a tobacco monopoly license to operate and sell them. Recently, the People's Procuratorate of Jinniu District, Chengdu, approved the arrest of two individuals for illegally selling e-cigarette cartridges without a tobacco monopoly license.

In October 2017, Wang and Liu established a company in Jinniu District specializing in the sale of electronic products and food. However, after a period of time, the company's profitability was poor, and they considered changing their business. In September 2018, without obtaining the necessary tobacco monopoly license, Wang and Liu began selling iQOS e-cigarette cartridges.

iQOS cartridges are a type of heated tobacco product, with their filling still made from tobacco leaves. The cartridges are shorter than regular cigarettes, and when used, they are placed into the iQOS heater, which heats the tobacco to produce vapor. Compared to traditional cigarettes, it has only changed in form and still falls under the category of tobacco, thus should be regulated as cigarettes under tobacco monopoly laws. Wang and Liu purchased e-cigarette cartridges online and sold them through online transfers, express delivery, or on-site sales at prices ranging from 380 to 400 RMB per pack. This resale allowed them to earn an average profit of about 50 RMB per pack, which is quite substantial. Upon investigation, Wang and Liu were found to have involved amounts of at least 190,000 RMB, and their actions constituted illegal operation of tobacco products without a license, leading to their arrest by the procuratorial authorities.

Prosecutors remind the public that with the continuous development of society, various e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular. However, citizens should understand that not only traditional tobacco products made from tobacco leaves are considered "tobacco"; e-cigarette cartridges also fall under the category of state-monopolized tobacco products. Selling e-cigarette cartridges still requires relevant administrative licenses; otherwise, it constitutes illegal activity. Furthermore, citizens should consult relevant departments in advance when dealing with new products that may involve administrative licenses to clarify the policies and regulations regarding the products they are selling, avoiding legal consequences due to unfamiliarity with laws and regulations.

Source: Sichuan News Network, Chengdu, August 21 (Huang Junjie, Guo Fengchu, Reporter Hu Xuyang)