Which company makes vapes in China?

China has long been recognized as the global epicenter of manufacturing, and the e-cigarette industry is no exception. Over the past decade, Chinese companies have dominated the production of vaping devices, e-liquids, and related components, supplying markets worldwide. Among the myriad of manufacturers, one name that occasionally surfaces is ATVS—a company that has carved out a niche in this competitive sector. However, to fully understand China’s role in shaping the e-cigarette landscape, it’s essential to explore not only specific firms like ATVS but also the broader ecosystem of innovation, regulation, and global trade that defines this industry.

1.The Birth of China’s E-Cigarette Dominance

The modern e-cigarette was invented by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003, and since then, China has remained at the forefront of vaping technology. The country’s manufacturing prowess, coupled with its vast supply chains and low production costs, positioned it as the go-to hub for e-cigarette production. Cities like Shenzhen, often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Hardware,” became home to thousands of factories specializing in vaping devices. By 2023, China accounted for over 90% of global e-cigarette production, exporting billions of dollars worth of products annually.

Key factors driving this dominance include:

• Technological Innovation: Chinese firms rapidly adopted advanced manufacturing techniques, including precision engineering for vaporizers and nicotine salt formulations for e-liquids.
• Supply Chain Efficiency: From batteries to flavored e-juices, Shenzhen’s ecosystem allows companies to source components quickly and cost-effectively.
• Export-Friendly Policies: China’s government has historically supported e-cigarette exports, viewing the industry as a lucrative contributor to economic growth.

2.ATVS: A Glimpse into a Niche Player

While global giants like SMOORE (owner of the VAPORESSO brand) and RELX Technology dominate headlines, smaller companies like ATVS illustrate the diversity of China’s e-cigarette sector. Information about ATVS is relatively limited, suggesting it may operate as a contract manufacturer or white-label producer for international brands. Such companies thrive by offering customizable solutions, allowing clients to brand devices without investing in R&D or production infrastructure.

What Sets ATVS Apart?

• Customization: ATVS likely provides tailored designs, catering to regional preferences for device size, nicotine strength, or flavor profiles.
• Cost Competitiveness: Smaller firms often undercut larger competitors on pricing, appealing to startups and niche markets.
• Agility: Unlike corporate giants, companies like ATVS can pivot quickly to meet emerging trends, such as disposable vapes or CBD-infused products.

However, the lack of public information about ATVS also highlights challenges faced by smaller Chinese manufacturers: limited brand recognition, regulatory scrutiny, and reliance on third-party distributors.

3.Key Players Shaping the Industry

To contextualize ATVS’s role, it’s critical to examine the titans of China’s e-cigarette market:

• SMOORE International (VAPORESSO)
  • Market Position: The world’s largest vaping manufacturer, holding over 16% of the global market share.
  • Innovation: Pioneered ceramic coil technology and pod-based systems.
  • Global Reach: Supplies major brands and operates in 50+ countries.
• RELX Technology
  • Domestic Dominance: Controls 70% of China’s closed-system vape market.
  • Regulatory Navigation: Successfully adapted to China’s 2022 flavor ban by focusing on tobacco-flavored products.
  • Sustainability Efforts: Launched recycling programs for used devices.
• Boulder
  • Disposable Vape Leader: Known for affordable, single-use products popular in Western markets.
  • Controversy: Faces criticism for contributing to environmental waste.

These companies exemplify China’s dual role as both an innovator and a volume-driven manufacturer.

4.Regulatory Challenges: A Double-Edged Sword

China’s e-cigarette industry operates in a complex regulatory environment. While the government supports exports, domestic policies have grown increasingly strict:

• 2022 Flavor Ban: Prohibited non-tobacco-flavored vapes to curb youth usage.
• Licensing Requirements: Manufacturers must now obtain production licenses, favoring established players over smaller firms.
• Tax Hikes: A 36% consumption tax on e-cigarettes squeezed profit margins.

5.Global Impact and Controversies

Chinese manufacturers have democratized access to vaping but also face backlash:

• Youth Vaping Epidemic: Critics argue that flavored disposables (often produced in China) target underage users.
• Environmental Concerns: Single-use devices contribute to plastic and lithium-ion battery waste.
• IP Theft Allegations: Some firms have been accused of copying designs from Western brands.

Despite this, China’s role remains indispensable. Even U.S. brands like JUUL rely on Shenzhen-based suppliers for components.

6.The Future of China’s E-Cigarette Industry

Emerging trends will shape the next decade:

• Health-Centric Designs: Companies are investing in low-temperature heating and nicotine reduction technologies.
• CBD and THC Vapes: As global cannabis legalization spreads, Chinese manufacturers are exploring cannabinoid delivery systems.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Firms like RELX are experimenting with biodegradable materials.

For smaller players like ATVS, survival will depend on agility—adapting to regulations, embracing sustainability, and carving out specialized niches.

While ATVS represents a small fragment of China’s e-cigarette landscape, its existence underscores the industry’s vastness and diversity. From tech giants like SMOORE to agile contractors, Chinese firms continue to redefine vaping worldwide. Yet, as regulations tighten and global scrutiny intensifies, the industry stands at a crossroads. Balancing innovation with responsibility will be key to sustaining China’s dominance in the years ahead.