2Firsts
Shenzhen, April 2, 2026
According to an official notice dated March 31 seen by 2Firsts, tobacco monopoly authorities in Shenzhen have asked licensed Chinese e-cigarette manufacturers to submit STN-related information for e-cigarette products exported to the United States.
2Firsts confirmed the notice with multiple companies. The notice said the reporting request was made “according to requirements from higher authorities” and covered e-cigarette products exported to the United States in 2025, including devices, pods and combination kits.
What Companies Must Submit
According to the notice, companies were asked to supplement existing product records with STN-related information and supporting evidence. The required items included:
- the STN number;
- the date the STN was received;
- either a screenshot of the STN confirmation email or a screenshot from the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) Portal as supporting proof;
- an explanation where no STN had been obtained.
The notice said the supporting screenshots must be submitted with the reporting form and be consistent with the information reported.
Supply Chain Context
Shenzhen and surrounding areas are widely regarded as the center of the global e-cigarette supply chain. Industry participants broadly believe that the region manufactures most of the world’s e-cigarette products, with some industry descriptions placing the share at more than 90 percent.
A Regulatory Signal
Alan Zhao, founder of 2Firsts, said the requirement for companies to submit STN numbers and supporting evidence may indicate that any direct data-sharing arrangement between Chinese and U.S. regulators in the e-cigarette sector is not publicly visible. For now, he said, both sides appear to be operating within their own jurisdictions and relying on companies to provide relevant information.
Less Than 48 Hours
The notice required companies to complete their submissions by 12:00 p.m. on April 2.
Given that the notice was issued in the afternoon of March 31, the effective preparation window was less than 48 hours.
2Firsts did not independently verify the contents of the notice with the Shenzhen tobacco monopoly authorities.
2Firsts will continue to monitor developments in China’s tobacco market regulation.
Cover image generated by AI
