2Firsts Successfully Held "Preventing E-Cigarette Enterprise Debt Disputes and Criminal Risks" Workshop

Events by 2FIRSTS
Sep.13.2024
2Firsts Successfully Held "Preventing E-Cigarette Enterprise Debt Disputes and Criminal Risks" Workshop
e-cigarette industry compliance training held in Shenzhen with focus on debt disputes and legal risks prevention.

On September 12, 2024, the "e-cigarette enterprise debt dispute and crime risk prevention training" hosted by lawyer Tang Shunliang, an industry compliance expert of 2Firsts, was successfully held at the Bao'an Center in Shenzhen. The seminar attracted more than 20 executives from well-known e-cigarette and related supply chain companies, aiming to guide companies on how to navigate industry changes, avoid potential debt and legal risks.

2Firsts Successfully Held
Image source | Two people at the top

 

Experts lecturing and sharing in-depth experiences

 

The "e-cigarette company debt dispute and crime risk prevention training" was hosted by Guo Xiaoyu, COO and co-founder of 2Firsts, and delivered by Tang Shunliang, an expert with 20 years of experience in tobacco compliance and a research fellow at 2Firsts.

 

With the recent exposure of debt crises in multiple e-cigarette companies in recent years, financial reports of many listed companies have shown a significant year-on-year decline in net profits, and profit margins at the supply chain end have also been severely compressed. This seminar aims to provide senior executives of e-cigarette and supply chain companies with risk management strategies and tools to address the current challenges.

 

The lecture focuses on directly addressing industry pain points

 

This lecture mainly discussed the dissolution, liquidation, and bankruptcy issues that e-cigarette companies may face when exiting the market, as well as the criminal risks they may encounter. Lawyer Tang Shunliang provided a detailed interpretation of the company liquidation process, the applicable situations of compulsory liquidation and bankruptcy liquidation, as well as the conditions for "turning enforcement into bankruptcy." In addition, new e-cigarette transaction structure design and risk avoidance were also explored, providing a series of practical strategies and tools for companies.

 

If a company fails to liquidate in a timely manner, shareholders may bear legal responsibility. The ways for e-cigarette companies to exit the market include shareholders exiting and the company being dissolved, involving equity transfer, reduction of capital, merger, reorganization, etc. The liquidation process includes establishing a liquidation team, clearing debts, collecting assets, arranging for employees, disposing of property, and preparing a liquidation report.

 

Regarding the circumstances, applicants, courts of jurisdiction, and application documents for compulsory liquidation and bankruptcy liquidation.

 

Transfer to liquidation", that is the condition of transferring a case to bankruptcy review during the execution phase. Specific solutions are proposed for situations where liquidation is not possible.

 

The design of a new trading structure for e-cigarettes and risk avoidance is recommended to be achieved through deep cooperation, such as through commissioning development/cooperation agreements and procurement contracts, in order to avoid potential risks.

 

E-cigarette companies may face criminal risks including charges of illegal operation, producing and selling counterfeit products, smuggling, and other legal risks.

 

The management requirements for exporting e-cigarette products include compliance with the laws, regulations, and standards of the destination country or region, as well as measures to address quality and safety issues with exported products.

 

Chinese citizens committing crimes abroad fall under personal jurisdiction. If the crime committed overseas also violates Chinese criminal law, Chinese judicial authorities have the power to hold the individual criminally responsible.

 

In-depth exploration and collaboration for industry development

 

During the open discussion session, participants enthusiastically engaged in in-depth exchanges with Attorney Tang on hot topics such as the regulation of nicotine pouches, compliance of tobacco-like products, and the shipment of products to the US market. These discussions not only enhanced participants' understanding of the future development of the e-cigarette industry but also provided new insights for the industry's steady progress.

 

2Firsts is a leading global vaporization technology media and consultancy, providing the latest news, data, and insights for regulators, entrepreneurs, researchers, media, and other stakeholders worldwide. In the future, 2Firsts will continue to launch more specialized, high-quality industry events, dedicating efforts to promoting the standardized growth and sustainable development of the e-cigarette industry.

 

If you would like to learn more about our training programs or seek professional consulting services, please contact us at: info@2firsts.com.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Malaysia Nicotine Vape Market Faces Legal Uncertainty Over Tax and Poisons List Ruling
Malaysia Nicotine Vape Market Faces Legal Uncertainty Over Tax and Poisons List Ruling
Malaysia’s Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim said duties and taxes on nicotine-containing vape products will be determined in line with the Court of Appeal’s ruling on whether liquid or gel nicotine can be exempted from the Poisons List under the Poisons Act 1952, a case that could affect the legal basis for vape taxation, retail sales and future ban policy.
Jun.29
Research | Swedish Study Finds Oral Lesions in 79% of Examined Nicotine Pouch Users, With Distinct Tissue Responses
Research | Swedish Study Finds Oral Lesions in 79% of Examined Nicotine Pouch Users, With Distinct Tissue Responses
A new Swedish study found oral mucosal lesions in 79% of examined nicotine pouch users and 89% of tobacco-derived snus users, with different tissue-response patterns between the two categories. For manufacturers and regulators, the findings shift attention toward product formulation, flavouring, pouch materials and local oral exposure, not only whether a product contains tobacco. The study found no higher prevalence of caries or periodontal disease, but it could not establish causality, long-term outcomes or differences between individual products or designs.
Special Report
Jul.27
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece have opposed Ireland’s proposed nicotine product regulations, arguing that the measures could affect EU market coordination and the free movement of products. Ireland plans to introduce stricter rules covering nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches, with measures involving packaging, marketing and sales controls. The dispute highlights differences among EU member states between stronger public health protections and maintaining regulatory consistency within the bloc’s single market.
Jul.29
Ireland’s Vape Tax Raises €22 Million in Nine Months as Government Considers 2027 Budget Changes
Ireland’s Vape Tax Raises €22 Million in Nine Months as Government Considers 2027 Budget Changes
According to Irish media outlets Highland Radio and BreakingNews.ie, the Irish government is considering whether to adjust vape tax policy in the 2027 Budget. The tax has generated about €22 million ($24 million) in revenue during its first nine months. While no increase has been confirmed, the revenue performance could influence future fiscal discussions. Any tax rise could increase product costs and potentially affect retail prices.
Aug.12
CCPIT Says Trade Friction Index for China-Related Electronics Sector Remains High, With Vape Products Among Areas of Focus
CCPIT Says Trade Friction Index for China-Related Electronics Sector Remains High, With Vape Products Among Areas of Focus
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) held its July regular press conference on July 31, 2026, releasing the May 2026 Global Economic and Trade Friction Index. CCPIT spokesperson Yang Fan said the global trade friction index stood at 95 in May, remaining at a medium-to-high level. By industry, the electronics sector recorded the highest trade friction index among 13 monitored industries. In China-related trade frictions, the index stood at 93, with electronics products including drones, chips and vape products among areas where friction remained elevated.
Aug.03
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.
Jul.23