What Is the Code Word for Vaping Devices on the Xianyu Platform?

The Xianyu platform is one of China's largest second-hand trading platforms, but some sellers also use it to sell e-cigarettes and other tobacco-related products. However, due to China's regulatory restrictions on e-cigarettes, some sellers use code words to avoid detection. So what are the code words for e-cigarettes on the Xianyu platform?

For example, if you change the search keywords to “Xiao Ye electronics,” “Fulu,” “Edison Chen same-style phone case,” or “nine puffs,” you can find a large number of brand-new, openly available e-cigarette e-liquid products.

What are the code words for e-cigarettes on Xianyu?

1. "Fruit vapor" - a general term used to refer to e-cigarettes

On the Xianyu platform, some sellers use the term "fruit vapor" to refer to e-cigarette products. This code word may come from the fruit-flavored profiles commonly associated with e-cigarettes, making it a general expression used to get around platform detection. If you see the description "fruit vapor" on Xianyu, it is very likely referring to e-cigarette products.

2. "Private customization" - implying customized e-cigarette requests

Another common code word for e-cigarettes is "private customization." Sellers may use this term in product descriptions to indicate that they can provide specific models, flavors, or colors of e-cigarette products according to the buyer's needs. This type of wording may be used to attract buyers with special preferences for e-cigarettes. Although these code words are widely used on the Xianyu platform, it is important to note that regulation of e-cigarettes in China still exists. Buyers should remain cautious when purchasing e-cigarettes to ensure the legality and safety of the products.

3. Keywords such as "xiao yan," "Xiao Ye for a moment," and "yan pods"

On the second-hand trading platform Xianyu, although search results for e-cigarettes are blocked, searching for keywords such as xiao yan, Xiao Ye for a moment, and yan pods still brings up a large number of e-cigarette products. When searching for yan pods, a promoted listing appears for a product called Yueke RELX, directly linking to a newly opened Taobao store: RELX Yueke relax e-cigarettes. The store homepage states: e-cigarettes are not prohibited, please view them correctly. Orders are being accepted and shipped normally. Since they can no longer be purchased through online platform channels, you need to add WeChat to place an order.

As for e-cigarette brands, Fulu, especially the Zhantiejian series, is suitable as an all-day option for long-time smokers—the kind of flavor profile you would not need to change for a lifetime. The fruit flavors from other brands feel too cloying and are not ideal for long-term use.

Everyone is reminded to comply with national regulations to avoid potential legal issues. Buying e-cigarettes on the Xianyu platform may require extra caution, but understanding these code words can help you better identify e-cigarette products and also better understand how such transactions take place on this platform. Shoppers are encouraged to choose carefully, follow the rules, and make sure they purchase legal and safe e-cigarette products.