Due to Chinese vape seizures and supply-chain disruptions and shortages there has been an excess in demand compared to supply. Coupled with tariffs and regulatory changes in states like Texas, a perfect storm has created opportunities for the U.S.-vape market or better put—vapes made or built in the USA. This opening has been seized by brands such as Fifty Bar, which has quickly gained market share and awareness by delivering compliant, high-quality American-made vapes.
As a result, Fifty Bar and other US-made vapes have become central to the new trend toward American-made vapes, meeting consumer demand while aligning with evolving laws. With U.S. demand shifting toward compliant, domestically-manufactured products, VapeTM guides smoke shop owners and vape distributors to reliable American brands and wholesale pricing to stay compliant, updated, and profitable.
Click Here to See Vape Vending Opportunities
US-Made Vapes: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)
Finding vaping products that are made he USA isn’t difficult, but it does come with challenges. The market is crowded with brands making bold claims, and unfortunately, many devices labeled as “American-made” are actually imported and only packaged domestically. These false claims and myths make procurement confusing for both consumers and retailers who want to stay compliant and avoid the risk of seizures or fines.
How to find vapes made in the USA and where to buy them:
- Look for Specific Brands: Seek out brands that openly emphasize their American manufacturing. For example, Fifty Bar markets itself as the first disposable vape “built in the USA” and filled with American-made e-liquid. Brands with such claims in their marketing are strong candidates for U.S.-made products.
- Check Product Descriptions: Read product listings and packaging for phrases like “Made in the USA” or “Built in America.” Many U.S.-made vapes will explicitly highlight their domestic credentials. For instance, Fifty Bar’s description clearly states it is “assembled and packaged... right here on US soil” with domestically sourced ingredients. If a product description or official website touts its American construction, that’s a good indicator of U.S. production.
- Verify E-Liquid Origin: Ensure that not only the device hardware but also the e-liquid is made domestically. Some products might be assembled in the U.S. but use imported e-juice. Top American-made brands set themselves apart by using U.S.-formulated liquids. For example, Keep It 100 (a New Jersey e-liquid brand) offers disposable vapes pre-filled with its own USA-made blends, and Fifty Bar similarly uses e-liquids crafted by California-based Beard Vape Co. Phrases like “filled with American-made e-liquid” are a strong sign.
- Look for Quality & Compliance Indicators: American-made vapes often highlight strict quality control and regulatory compliance. U.S. manufacturers tend to adhere to higher oversight standards (e.g. using FDA-registered facilities or lab-testing their ingredients) and promote the support of domestic jobs. For instance, Pink Spot Vapors stresses that all its products are made under “strict quality standards” in the United States.
Buyer checklist:
Keep origin and e-liquid documentation on file if you repeat “Built in USA” claims, and ensure those claims are qualified unless they meet the FTC’s “all or virtually all” standard.
Confirm specs and series/lines (e.g., Black/White/Fruitia/Hidden Hills) match what you intend to stock.
Verify FDA authorization status before listing and monitor updates.
- American Vape:
Known for its signature line of HOUSE JUICE! flavors like “American Pie,” this company emphasizes U.S.-based production and also sells branded accessories like American Vape stickers. -
Pink Spot Vapors:
All products are manufactured in the United States under strict quality standards, making Pink Spot Vapors a trusted name for premium, safe, and high-quality e-liquid.- Location & Production: Based in the U.S., Pink Spot Vapors focuses entirely on e-liquid production.
- Quality Control: They adhere to strict quality control and manufacturing standards, which is a central selling point noted by VapeTM.
- Products: Offer a wide range of e-liquid flavors, crafted domestically to ensure consistency and compliance with U.S. standards.
- Unique Value: Their focus on flavor diversity and safe, American-made ingredients positions them as a trusted e-liquid provider.
- Keep It 100:
A well-known American e-liquid manufacturer has expanded into disposables, filling them with its own U.S.-crafted blends. This approach not only secures a dependable domestic supply chain but also aligns with evolving regulatory requirements across the country. -
KandyPens (San Diego, California)
- Location & Manufacturing: Headquartered in San Diego, California, KandyPens is recognized as one of the more prominent American vape pen manufacturers.
- Products: They specialize in vaporizers, vape pens, and dab pens, often catering to both nicotine and concentrate markets.
- Reputation: Known for premium quality and innovative designs, their devices are positioned as luxury or high-end products.
- Unique Value: Made in the USA with strong emphasis on durability, sleek aesthetics, and modern technology, KandyPens is a brand often highlighted in lifestyle and music culture collaborations.
Top USA-Made Disposable Vape Brands (Wholesale Options)
-
Fifty Bar 20K
Often cited as one of the first fully USA-made disposables, the Fifty Bar 20K uses U.S.-made components and American e-liquid. It delivers up to 20,000 puffs using dual-mesh heating and features a rechargeable USB-C battery plus an LED display for battery/juice levels. Production is compliance-focused so retailers can stock with confidence. Operators report that switching to Fifty Bar solved supply gaps during Geek Bar outages (“we switched to Fifty Bar… and our machines stayed full”). Wholesale programs offer rapid fulfillment nationwide.
-
Keep It 100 Disposable Vapes
Keep It 100 is a U.S. e-liquid maker that now offers disposables filled with its famous American-made blends—bold, sweet, and consistent. Popular flavors include Blue Slushie, Strawberry Watermelon, and Peach Ice. Because the e-juice is produced domestically under strict quality control, these disposables align with rules like Texas’s no-China-filled-liquid standard, while providing a reliable, stateside supply chain.
-
Juice Head Bars
Juice Head expanded from premium e-liquids into disposables loaded with U.S.-manufactured juice. Known for clean, refreshing fruit profiles—Watermelon Strawberry, Pineapple Grapefruit, Peach Pear—each device highlights quality ingredients blended in FDA-registered U.S. facilities. They’re free of banned additives and packaged to adult-centric standards—an appealing mix of brand recognition and compliance for shops.
Other Emerging American-Tied Brands
- North Stellar and Spaceman: gaining traction with American-filled or non-China production footprints.
- Flum (select models): shifting assembly to regions outside China to avoid seizures and delays.
- Big Tobacco (e.g., NJOY, Vuse, Logic): touting FDA-authorized products that are far less likely to be seized or banned.
Top USA-Made Vape: Fifty Bar
Fifty Bar Marketed as the first disposable vape built in the USA, Fifty Bar is filled with American-made e-liquid and manufactured with domestically sourced ingredients. Fifty Bar is a pioneer in American disposable vapor products and strongly position their marketing around being “the first disposable vape built in the USA.” They fill their devices with American-made e-liquids which are developed with Beard Vape Co. The vapes are assembled and packaged in the United States and although production is domestic, they rival the Chinese vapes by packing over 20,000 puffs per device.
Positioning & origin (brand claims). Fifty Bar markets itself as the first/only disposable vape “Built in the USA,” filled with American-made e-liquid and assembled in Thousand Oaks, CA, in collaboration with Beard Vape Co.; the brand also claims it supports 150+ U.S. jobs. These are company claims, not third-party certifications.
Core products & specs.
- Fifty Bar 6500: ~6,500 puffs; 16 mL prefill; 5% (50 mg) salt; USB-C; mesh coil; commonly listed with a 400 mAh rechargeable battery; wide dessert/fruit flavor set (iced and non-iced).
- Fifty Bar V2 20K: advertised up to 20,000 puffs; dual-mesh, adjustable airflow, digital display for battery/e-liquid; USB-C; retailers list ~16–18 mL and an ~800 mAh battery.
Typical online pricing snapshot: 6500 listings frequently land around $9.95–$12.99; 20K often $13–$17 on promo (varies by shop/time).
Regulatory status: On Sept 12, 2024, FDA issued a Warning Letter to Beard Management Inc. d/b/a Fifty Bar, stating Fifty Bar products were new tobacco products without required premarket authorization (i.e., unauthorized for U.S. marketing). Treat these SKUs as unauthorized unless/until FDA grants marketing orders.
Claims scrutiny / supply chain notes: Some reporting has alleged reliance on imported parts despite U.S. assembly/packaging claims; these are media allegations, not adjudicated findings. Balance them against the company’s “Built in America” statements when documenting provenance.
Some manufacturers are relocating to Southeast Asia or Mexico to sidestep U.S.–China friction. While not U.S.-made, these can be more “U.S.-friendly” for stability. Still, brands emphasizing American manufacturing or filling are the ones thriving in the current environment.
Why U.S. Made Vapes Matter?
- E-Liquid vs. Device
Even when a vape device is assembled domestically, components or e-liquid may still come from overseas. Brands like Fifty Bar and Keep It 100 stand out by emphasizing American-made e-liquid. - Support Local Businesses
Purchasing from U.S. vape shops already contributes to American jobs, but buying products manufactured in the USA amplifies that impact. - Safety & Quality Control
U.S.-based manufacturers such as Pink Spot Vapors highlight their use of premium ingredients and strict oversight, offering consumers greater confidence in product safety and consistency.
Important Considerations for USA-Made Vapes
-
Made in the USA vs. Global Manufacturing
Many disposable vape devices still rely on imported hardware, but U.S.-made vape brands now handle final assembly and e-liquid filling domestically. This ensures a stronger supply chain, fewer import complications, and the ability to market products as Made in USA vapes—a key selling point in today’s regulatory environment.
-
Quality, Safety, and Innovation
American manufacturers focus on clean ingredients, FDA compliance, and innovative flavor development. This commitment to safety and transparency helps U.S.-made disposable vapes stand out against overseas alternatives, offering peace of mind for consumers and retailers alike.
-
Pricing and Long-Term Value
While Made in USA disposable vapes may cost slightly more than imported products, the benefits outweigh the difference. Reliable supply, reduced risks of customs seizures, and consistent compliance make U.S.-made e-liquids and disposables a smarter long-term investment for businesses.
-
Regulatory Climate in 2025
With stricter FDA enforcement, tariffs, and state-level bans like those emerging in Texas, domestically produced vapes are positioned more favorably. U.S.-based manufacturing helps brands avoid international shipping risks while ensuring compliance with evolving state and federal laws.
-
Retail vs. Online Sales
Due to the PACT Act restrictions on direct-to-consumer shipping, most vape sales now occur through physical retail locations and B2B distribution. This shift underscores the importance of retail partnerships and wholesale networks for brands looking to scale in 2025.
VapeTM stands as the trusted authority for smoke shop owners, U.S. vape manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and business operators—especially in Texas, where regulations increasingly favor USA-made products (this is why Fifty Bar is gaining so much popularity in Texas). With Geek Bar and Breeze shortages and problems with China vape supply and importation, American-made vapes and American-built vapes are attractive alternatives. To get wholesale pricing on Fifty Bar and other U.S. made vapes like seek expert guidance from VapeTM. Stay compliant and stay in-stock!
Geek Bar stock running low—in-store and in vending machines, vape shortages are hitting hard. American made vapes like Fifty Bar rise in demand!
By VapeTM ·
Contents
Seeking Reliable Stock? Why VapeTM Recommends USA-Made Disposables
- Enforcement pressure: Customs and FDA are seizing many imports—Geek Bar and Breeze are among the most frequently caught.
- Risk avoidance: Regulations vary state-to-state—Texas especially demands USA-made products in vending setups.
- Trust and transparency: VapeTM vets product sources to ensure compliance, quality, and price stability.
Meet the Product: Fifty Bar 20K — Built for Operators, Designed to Perform
Fifty Bar is a fully USA-made disposable with American-made e-liquid—a strong choice for business owners seeking reliability over risk.Brand | Made In | Puff Count | Battery | Compliance | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fifty Bar 20K | USA | 20,000 | Rechargeable (USB-C) + LED display | High (domestic manufacturing) | Consistently in stock |
Geek Bar / Breeze | Imported | ~5,000–10,000 | Non-rechargeable | Low (frequently seized) | Often out of stock |
“VapeTM helped us switch 25 machines across Texas to Fifty Bar disposables, and we've avoided any stockouts since.” — A Texas vending owner
Need to switch product lines, ensure compliance, or secure reliable wholesale pricing for vending machines? Contact VapeTM today
The Rise of American-Made Vapes: Why 2025 Changed Everything
If you’ve been hunting for your favorite disposable vapes lately and coming up empty, you’re not alone. The U.S. vape market is going through one of the biggest shake-ups in its history. Shelves that used to be stacked with Chinese imports like Geek Bar and Breeze are suddenly bare, prices are climbing, and retailers are scrambling to keep up.
Geek Bar and Breeze Shortages Hit Hard In 2025, disposable vape imports from China dropped off a cliff. In May 2024 there were nearly 1,200 shipments; by May 2025, that number had fallen to roughly 71—over a 90% collapse. Two big drivers: steep tariffs (peaking around 145–170%) and aggressive customs/FDA seizures of unauthorized products. Wholesalers rationed, panic buying kicked in, and prices jumped 20–25%. Some retailers that once received 100+ boxes a week were lucky to get 10.
-
Why are there such big supply problems in the American vape market?
The U.S. vape industry is facing one of its most severe disruptions in recent years. Popular disposables like Geek Bar and Breeze have all but disappeared from store shelves as tariffs, federal seizures, and regulatory crackdowns squeeze imports from China.According to official data, shipments of vapes from China to the United States plummeted from nearly 1,200 containers in May 2024 to just 71 in May 2025 — a staggering 94 percent decline. Tariffs on Chinese goods, which spiked as high as 145 percent before easing to around 30 percent, drove up costs dramatically. At the same time, FDA and Customs seizures of unauthorized vapes, particularly Geek Bar products, further restricted supply.The fallout has been immediate. Retailers describe panic buying, strict rationing, and limits of only a few boxes per customer, compared to the hundreds of units that once arrived weekly.
-
Why Geek Bar and Breeze Vanished
Geek Bar Pulse, launched in 2023 with a 15,000-puff design, quickly became a market leader, accounting for roughly a quarter of U.S. disposable sales by mid-2024. Its lack of FDA approval, however, made it a major target for seizures. Breeze Pro, a Michigan-based favorite, gained traction with candy-inspired flavors but was completely pulled from U.S. distribution by late 2024 after FDA actions and unsuccessful legal battles. The disappearance of these two heavyweights created a severe supply shock across the industry.
-
Enforcement and Global Pressures
By mid-2024, the FDA had already issued more than 200 warning letters to unauthorized manufacturers. In April 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the FDA’s authority, accelerating port seizures and enforcement efforts.Meanwhile, international bans in the UK and EU reduced global disposable vape production, diverting manufacturer focus away from the U.S. gray market. Some producers have relocated operations to Indonesia, Vietnam, or Mexico to bypass tariffs, while others resort to mislabeling shipments to avoid detection.
-
The Bottom Line for Shop Owners and Distributors
The Geek Bar shortage of 2025 is driven by a convergence of trade tariffs, regulatory enforcement, state restrictions, and global production shifts. For vape shop owners and distributors, the issue is no longer whether these challenges will persist, but how to adapt and secure reliable supply going forward.
-
The Regulatory Squeeze
The FDA has issued hundreds of warning letters to companies without authorizations, and an April 2025 Supreme Court decision affirmed the agency’s authority to regulate vaping. States layered on their own bans and restrictions—flavor bans in places like California and new rules in North Carolina limiting sales to FDA-authorized products. The result: the era of easy, cheap imports ended abruptly.
Texas: The Next Big Shift to American-Made Vapes
Texas—one of the nation’s largest vape markets—is accelerating the transition. With imports drying up and regulators tightening, wholesalers and retailers across Dallas, Houston, Austin, and beyond are shifting to American-made disposable vapes. Many are forging direct relationships with U.S. manufacturers to secure inventory and compliance.Why U.S. Companies Are Building “American Vapes”
Facing these headwinds, U.S. companies are filling the gap with “American-made” vapes—devices manufactured or, at minimum, filled with e-liquid domestically. Building or finishing products on U.S. soil helps brands clear enforcement hurdles that foreign-made, pre-filled devices cannot. Texas illustrates this trend: effective September 1, 2025, the state prohibits disposable vapes made in China and pre-filled with liquid. A key exemption allows devices whose e-liquid is added in the U.S., even if some hardware is sourced abroad. In practice, Texas is pushing the market toward devices fully made—or at least filled—in America.Other States Are Pushing Compliance Too
Many jurisdictions now ban youth-appealing packaging and any devices that look like toys or everyday objects. Several states restrict flavors or certain additives. These policies put pressure on suppliers to meet U.S. standards for ingredients, labeling, and safety. Domestic blending/filling helps certify that products exclude banned substances and use compliant packaging.The Rise of USA-Made Disposable Vapes
With imports unreliable and regulations tightening, retailers and wholesalers are turning to USA-made disposables to keep business stable. Over the summer of 2025, patterns were clear: shop owners and vending operators pivoted away from scarce imports toward brands they can credibly call American. When foreign brands fail to clear customs, U.S. alternatives step in to meet demand—fueling a boom in American vapes wholesale. U.S.-made devices provide consistent supply, avoid tariff shocks, and face far lower seizure risk under U.S. oversight. A wave of “U.S.-friendly” brands has also grown by assembling outside China or using domestic components/e-liquids—giving retailers options that bypass import turmoil. Refillable pod systems (often with American-made e-liquids) are seeing a resurgence for similar reasons.Benefits of U.S.-Made Vapes for Retailers and Vapers
Switching to American-made vapes isn’t just about surviving new laws—it brings tangible upside for businesses and consumers.-
1) Regulatory Compliance American-made vapes are built with U.S. rules in mind: no youth-targeted packaging, no banned additives, clear labeling. Devices filled domestically align with origin rules like Texas’s, while many imported disposables do not. Choosing U.S. brands makes inventory far more likely to be effectively “pre-approved” across diverse state frameworks.
-
2) Stable Supply Chain Local production insulates retailers from customs delays, tariff volatility, and seizure risk. During the 2025 shortage, imports collapsed—but domestic producers kept shipping. Faster fulfillment and predictable replenishment help avoid stockouts and wild price swings.
-
3) Quality Control & Transparency U.S. facilities use high-grade nicotine and pharmaceutical-quality PG/VG, with regular inspections and traceable ingredients. Retailers can confidently market products free of mystery chemicals or counterfeit risks, and recalls can be handled swiftly onshore.
-
4) Supporting Local Businesses Dollars spent on American vapes support U.S. entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and workers. Many customers value buying American, and the label adds goodwill alongside operational advantages.
- 5) Wholesale Pricing for American-Made Vapes As demand grows, distributors are offering competitive deals on American vapes. Companies like VapeTM provide wholesale pricing, onboarding support, compliance guidance, and steady inventory planning. Prioritized supply, better margins, and fewer disruptions often improve profitability versus chasing scarce overseas stock.
Distributor & Operator FAQ
Why choose Fifty Bar vs. Geek Bar or Breeze?
Fifty Bar is USA-made, compliance-focused, rechargeable, and reliably stocked—ideal for sustained vending operations under strict rules.Are USA-made disposables pricier?
There can be a small premium, but with VapeTM’s wholesale pricing, steady delivery, and compliance assurance, ROI improves while risk drops.Can VapeTM help me source alternatives?
Yes. VapeTM recommends and supplies vetted USA-compliant options tailored to your locations and state regulations.Are counterfeit Geek Bars dangerous?
Yes—contents and build are unknown. Always verify authenticity codes and buy from reputable sources.Best alternatives if Geek Bar is unavailable?
USA-made/filled disposables like Fifty Bar, or refillable pod systems with American e-liquid. For imports, pick brands with stronger compliance records.Will prices normalize?
Likely to stabilize as domestic supply ramps and routing shifts finalize, though timelines vary by state and supplier.Is vaping illegal in the U.S. now?
No. Vaping remains legal, but unauthorized and imported devices face increased enforcement, and some states restrict flavors or packaging.How do I verify authenticity?
Check the package’s official code and confirm on the brand’s site, inspect build quality and labels, and avoid non-trusted sellers.
Conclusion: The Future Is American
The U.S. vape market has been shaken by major policy shifts in 2024–2025. With tariffs on Chinese imports soaring as high as 170%–245%, vapers are already seeing price hikes and retailers are facing tighter margins.
Popular imports like Geek Bar are directly impacted since they’re manufactured in China, meaning higher wholesale costs, supply shortages, and uncertain retail pricing. For small shops in particular, the math simply doesn’t add up — many are reconsidering whether carrying these imported products is worth the risk.
At the same time, the turmoil has accelerated a broader transformation. Customs seizures, new compliance rules, and tariffs are squeezing out gray-area imports, but this isn’t only a crisis. It’s also an opportunity for American-made disposable vapes to step into the spotlight.
With fewer international options on shelves, domestic brands are better positioned than ever to win over retailers and consumers alike. Products like Fifty Bar, Keep It 100, and Juice Head demonstrate that U.S.-sourced vapes can deliver both quality and compliance. They don’t just avoid tariff-driven price hikes — they align with state and federal expectations, offering a safer bet for shops looking to protect margins. Consumers benefit too: reliable supply, consistent flavor profiles, and peace of mind knowing the products are legally compliant.
Regulatory clarity is also reshaping the market. States such as Texas have begun enforcing origin rules, pushing retailers toward U.S.-made or U.S.-filled devices and liquids. These policies make it increasingly difficult for Chinese-manufactured vapes to compete long-term, especially given customs scrutiny. As a result, both consumer habits and supply chains are tilting toward American options.
For vape shops and wholesalers, embracing American vapes wholesale is more than a trend — it’s a survival strategy. Stocking domestic brands ensures stability, keeps customers satisfied, and removes the unpredictability of tariff-driven pricing or seizures at the border. Refillable systems relying on U.S.-made e-liquids are also growing in popularity, offering another reliable alternative for shops to promote. In short, the turbulence of 2024–2025 has reshaped the U.S. vape market for good. Imports face steep tariffs and tightening laws, while domestic brands are gaining traction as the compliant, reliable, and profitable path forward. For retailers and consumers alike, the smart move now is clear: pivot to American-made disposable vapes and U.S.-filled refillable systems to stay ahead of the curve.
14 comments
If you’ve been paying attention to the vape world lately, you’ve probably noticed the big shift happening here in Texas. Shops aren’t just chasing random imports anymore — they’re hunting down wholesale vapes that are U.S.-made and built to last. Why? Because every week there’s another news story about federal raids, warehouses full of sketchy flavored vapes, and stores getting caught with illegal stock. Retailers here in Texas don’t want that heat, and honestly, neither do their customers. People want something legit, safe, and consistent. That’s why names like Fifty Bar keep popping up everywhere — they’ve become the go-to for shops that want to stay ahead of the curve.
Here’s the thing: Texas isn’t slowing down when it comes to vape demand. From Dallas to Houston to Austin, customers are asking for new flavors, better batteries, and smoother disposables. But the real “buzzword” right now is American made vapes. When shops can say, “yeah, we stock FDA-compliant, U.S.-made brands like Fifty Bar,” that instantly builds trust. Nobody wants to gamble on mystery imports anymore — especially when law enforcement is seizing millions of illegal sticks left and right.
And let’s be real, wholesale sourcing is everything right now. If you’re a Texas shop owner or distributor, you already know how fast things move. The ones making the smartest moves are locking in their wholesale vape supply from American brands, because they’re tired of delays, bans, and surprise seizures at the border. Plus, customers love the idea that what they’re puffing on is actually made here, not shipped in under the radar. That “Made in the USA” stamp? It’s basically free marketing at this point.
So if you’re running a shop in Texas, it’s time to level up. Stocking Fifty Bar disposables and other Texas-friendly, American made wholesale vapes isn’t just good for compliance — it’s good business. The shops that adapt now are the ones building customer loyalty, protecting their margins, and standing out in a state that’s becoming one of the biggest vape markets in the country. Bottom line? Texas vapers are ready for the next wave — and they’re looking for it on your shelves.
Recent Updates:
Inside the Crackdown on Illicit Vapes Targeting Teens
Federal and state officials are intensifying efforts against a new wave of illicit vapes designed to appeal to kids. These devices, many imported from China, are disguised as everyday items such as backpacks, smartphone cases, and even video game consoles. With flashy features like LED lights, Bluetooth, and hidden compartments, they allow teens to vape discreetly, making them harder for parents and teachers to detect.
Record Seizures of Illegal Vapes
In 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized $34 million worth of illegal vaping products.
By mid-2025, seizures already surpassed $60 million, highlighting the explosive growth of the black market.
Despite the FDA ban on flavored cartridges, candy-like flavors such as pineapple express and killer custard blueberry remain widely available.
Why Teens Are Drawn to Illicit Vapes
Experts warn that these illicit e-cigarettes are both addictive and dangerous:
Some contain as much nicotine as 35 packs of cigarettes.
More than 1.6 million U.S. teens reported vaping in 2024, with youth surveys pointing to flavors, sleek packaging, and social media marketing as major drivers.
Advocacy groups say these products are designed specifically to compete with legal alternatives like Fifty Bar vapes and other American made vapes, which undergo stricter oversight.
Local Crackdowns Across the U.S.
In Louisiana, state agents are seizing so many vapes that warehouses had to expand to store the product.
In Chicago, 4 million illegal vape sticks are locked in law enforcement facilities.
In New York City, sheriffs raid smoke shops daily to confiscate illicit flavored vapes.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting American Youth
While only 39 FDA-authorized vape products (tobacco and menthol flavors) are legal, the market remains flooded with unauthorized imports. Lawmakers and attorneys general are urging stronger border enforcement and international accountability, particularly against Chinese imports.
For consumers, choosing FDA-authorized, American made vapes like Fifty Bar ensures compliance, safety, and quality — unlike the unregulated imports fueling the teen vaping crisis.
Final Takeaway
The illicit vape market is massive, with an estimated 240 million illegal devices sold in 2024. Authorities warn that this is only a fraction of what’s reaching U.S. consumers. Until enforcement catches up, parents, retailers, and responsible brands must step up to keep dangerous flavored vapes out of kids’ hands.
It appears that Geek bar and Breeze are nearly impossible to source from a wholesale perspective. It appears the USA-made and American vapes are popular in Texas because of new regulations. Fifty Bar is a big one! Thank you, VapeTM for this information.
Very helpful! USA made vapes are a must now especially in Texas.