Shopify Bans All Vape Sales Globally

Shopify, a major e-commerce platform, has mandated that all customers remove vape products from their online stores. This directive, confirmed by the company on Friday, stems from evolving legal restrictions surrounding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).

The policy, which took effect globally, was prompted by pressure from a coalition of U.S. state and city law enforcement authorities. These officials had raised concerns about the widespread sale of illegal vapes through websites hosted on Shopify's platform.

Merchants were informed via a notice on June 24, giving them a deadline of July 8 to remove all e-cigarette products. Failure to comply risked product suspension or termination of their store accounts.

Attorneys general from states including California, Illinois, and Arizona, alongside authorities from New York City, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, were involved in advocating for this policy change. They have also pursued similar actions with other companies.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who co-led the coalition, stated that this change is crucial for significantly reducing the sale of illegal nicotine products and protecting public health. Shopify had previously indicated that it prohibits illegal activity and bases its enforcement on legal requirements across different jurisdictions.