WeChat Announcement: Vape Included in Prohibited Items for Sale

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mar.13.2024
WeChat Announcement: Vape Included in Prohibited Items for Sale
WeChat announces crackdown on personal accounts selling prohibited items to protect user information and rights.

On the evening of March 12th, the WeChat Security Center released a governance announcement titled "Announcement on Governing the Behavior of Personal WeChat Accounts Posting Information on the Sale of Prohibited Items." In order to regulate the information posting behavior of personal WeChat accounts, safeguard the information security and legitimate rights and interests of WeChat users, and for any personal WeChat accounts that publish, display, or disseminate various prohibited items for sale information in any form, the WeChat team will strictly follow the requirements of relevant national laws and regulations, as well as the provisions of the "Tencent WeChat Software License and Service Agreement" and the "WeChat Personal Account Usage Rules." Depending on the seriousness of the violation, a tiered punishment will be implemented: for violations, the content will be deleted upon discovery; for violating accounts, the WeChat account may be warned, restricted, or prohibited to use certain or all functions, the account may be temporarily suspended, or permanently banned.

 

Announcement disclosure: Personal WeChat accounts are not allowed to publish, display, or disseminate various prohibited items for sale information, including but not limited to the following examples:

 

01 Violating the rules by promoting pharmaceuticals or medical devices 

02 Tobacco and e-cigarette advertising 

03 Illegal categories such as sexual health products 

04 Controlled substances like aphrodisiacs 

05 Black and gray market items such as cheat software and fake IDs 

06 Pornographic and sexually suggestive content 

07 Weapons with killing power such as imitation guns, bows and arrows, controlled knives, and air guns 

08 Illegal loan content 

 

The WeChat Security Center reminds users that posting illegal or prohibited items for sale through social media platforms such as Moments, Video Accounts, or live streaming is a violation of rules. Assisting friends in promoting and selling illegal or prohibited items through reposts in Moments or WeChat groups can result in both the seller and reposter facing administrative penalties if issues arise.

 

Users are also reminded to cherish their WeChat account usage rights and not violate existing laws and regulations during use. The WeChat Security Center will handle violations according to relevant laws, regulations, and user agreement rules, and cooperate with authorities to protect the legitimate rights and interests of WeChat users and other parties.

 

The WeChat team is urging users to cherish their usage rights of WeChat accounts, strictly abide by laws and regulations, follow user agreements, and avoid engaging in any illegal activities. The WeChat Security Center will handle violations in accordance with laws and regulations and user agreements, and cooperate with relevant authorities to protect the legitimate rights and interests of WeChat users and other parties.

 

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

From Border-Logistics Insiders to Retail Service Stations, Australia Mounts a Sweeping Crackdown on the Illicit Nicotine Trade as iGET Vapes Surface in A$80 Million Crime Networks
From Border-Logistics Insiders to Retail Service Stations, Australia Mounts a Sweeping Crackdown on the Illicit Nicotine Trade as iGET Vapes Surface in A$80 Million Crime Networks
Australian authorities have disclosed two major enforcement actions that go beyond product seizures and retail closures to examine how illicit tobacco and vape networks operate. On Aug. 14, the Multi Agency Strike Team said seven people had been charged and two criminal networks were valued by authorities at a combined A$80 million, or about US$56.8 million. Investigators allege the groups used bonded warehouses, freight businesses and “trusted insiders” in legitimate industries to circumvent border controls. In a separate operation on Aug. 11, more than 100 service stations were targeted as authorities sought information on illicit tobacco importation, distribution networks and the movement of sales proceeds.
Aug.17
JTI Research Finds 31% of UK Respondents Offered Illicit Tobacco, While 63% of Ennis Packs Lack Duty Marks
JTI Research Finds 31% of UK Respondents Offered Illicit Tobacco, While 63% of Ennis Packs Lack Duty Marks
Multiple JTI-backed studies in the UK and Ireland indicate that illicit tobacco remains visible across consumer interactions and local markets. In the UK, JTI research found that 31% of respondents said they had been offered illicit tobacco products. In Ireland’s Ennis area, a JTI-commissioned empty pack survey found that 63% of sampled cigarette packs did not carry Irish duty-paid markings. The findings come from industry research rather than official government estimates of illicit tobacco market size, but highlight continued concerns among regulators, legitimate retailers and tobacco companies over illicit trade.
Aug.19
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal vape sellers are still promoting nicotine products on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube despite Australia’s 2024 advertising ban, while illicit tobacco sales are increasingly moving from physical stores to online marketplaces.
Jul.15
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
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
One year after the UK disposable vape ban came into force, local authorities continue to seize illegal and non-compliant vaping products. FOI data compiled by nicotine retailer Northerner shows more than 1.3 million products were seized between June 2025 and May 2026, with Bolton recording the highest number of seizures and Swansea reporting the highest estimated value.
Jul.21
Product | Philip Morris Korea Launches TEREA Limona Pearl, Expanding Fresh Blend Capsule Lineup to Five
Product | Philip Morris Korea Launches TEREA Limona Pearl, Expanding Fresh Blend Capsule Lineup to Five
Philip Morris Korea launched TEREA Limona Pearl in South Korea on August 31, 2026, expanding the TEREA Fresh Blend capsule tobacco stick lineup from four variants to five. Designed for the IQOS ILUMA series, the new stick combines a capsule with what the company calls a Fresh Filter. Philip Morris Korea describes the product as offering an aromatic, refreshing flavor profile with a cooling sensation, with an additional fresh note released when the capsule is crushed. The recommended retail price is KRW 4,800 per pack, with sales through IQOS stores and convenience stores nationwide. No reliable evidence has been found that the same Limona Pearl SKU was previously officially launched in another major IQOS market.
Sep.01