Shopify to bar vapes as US authorities crack down on illegal industry (opens original article in a new tab)

Shopify will ban all vapes from its platform this week following pressure from US state attorneys-general to curb illegal e-cigarette sales, which are widely available online and in stores despite being illegal. Mastercard also warned partners about unlicensed vape sales violating its standards.

• Shopify to ban all vapes from its platform this week due to pressure from US state attorneys-general
• Unlicensed vapes, mostly from China, are illegal to import or sell in the US but widely available online and in stores
• Mastercard warns partners that unlicensed vape sales violate its standards and may face investigations and fines
• Illegal US vape market is worth about $9bn, with e-commerce being a major sales channel for illegal products
• Shopify's ban will apply to all vapes in the US regardless of FDA authorization, affecting illegal sales more than licensed ones