A former senior law enforcement official has raised concerns about Chinese vape manufacturers deliberately circumventing nicotine regulations by substituting the controlled ingredient with unregulated chemical alternatives. By removing the specific restricted substance whilst retaining flavoured profiles and disposable formats, these illicit operations can evade enforcement mechanisms designed to keep such products away from younger consumers.

According to the warning, organised crime groups based in China have identified this regulatory gap as an opportunity to maintain their market presence in jurisdictions with strict nicotine vape restrictions. The strategy allows them to technically comply with laws targeting nicotine-based products whilst continuing to market devices with the same appeal factors—flavours and single-use convenience—that attract youth consumers.