Recently, the discussion around the "Texas vape ban" has been heating up. As a vape brand, SP2S has been closely monitoring global regulatory trends. Last weekend, Texas lawmakers abandoned efforts to pass a bill that would have banned nearly all mass-market vape products sold in the U.S.. However, after negotiations, they ultimately passed a compromise version of the SB2024 vape bill. This version targets pre-filled, disposable vapes made in China rather than banning all refillable or pod-based devices.
SB2024: From Total Ban to Limited Restrictions
The SB2024 bill is arguably the strictest vape bill in U.S. history. It capitalized on populist Republican narratives about domestic protectionism and anti-China sentiment, as well as fears promoted by the tobacco industry and public health groups. Sponsors included both Democrats and Republicans. Initially, lawmakers proposed a total ban on vape products "wholly or partly made in China," including refillable devices, pods, tanks, and even heated tobacco products like PMI's IQOS. If implemented, this would have effectively banned nearly all mass-market vape products in Texas.
The Senate version passed on April 23 originally banned "Made in China" products and was supported by Altria, whose NJOY vape—while assembled with Chinese parts in other Asian countries—is not technically made in China. However, a last-minute revision in the House version passed on May 28 even banned Altria’s vape products.
The House version sought to ban any vape product that was "wholly or partly manufactured in China" or "includes any part or component manufactured in China." The language was broad, covering not only pre-filled disposables manufactured and filled in China but also any product containing even one China-made component—plastic casing, mouthpieces, coils, wires, switches, or batteries. This would have banned nearly all refillable systems, including vape pens, mods, pods, tanks, atomizers, and cannabis cartridges.
Due to major differences between the Senate and House versions, a conference committee made up of lawmakers from both chambers was tasked with reaching a compromise. They succeeded. On June 2 (Sunday), the reconciled version of SB2024 passed both the Senate and the House and is now awaiting Governor Greg Abbott's signature or veto.
The final version limits the ban to disposable vapes made in China that contain China-manufactured e-liquid or other consumables. This adjustment significantly narrows the bill’s impact, shifting it from a “blanket ban” to a more targeted restriction.
Texas Vape Bill – Only Bans Pre-Filled Disposables
Facing strong backlash from the industry, lawmakers quickly formed a conference committee to revise the proposed total ban into a limited restriction. The revised SB2024 bill, passed in early June, includes the following provisions regarding pre-filled disposable vapes:
• Bans only pre-filled disposable vapes made in China before export.
• Does not restrict refillable pod systems or open-system devices; products filled in U.S. factories may continue to be sold.
• Retains requirements that packaging must not appeal to children or resemble highlighters or mobile phones.
• Prohibits vapes containing cannabinoids, kratom, and similar substances.
In short, FDA-authorized products like Juul that are filled in the U.S., as well as certain independent brands, can still be legally sold in Texas. The ban’s main target remains pre-filled disposable vapes made in China.
Industry Impact and Takeaways
Supply Chain Compliance in Focus
The Texas vape ban signals a shift toward regulating “component sourcing” and “pre-fill processing,” not just e-liquid or flavoring. For global brands, designing a transparent and traceable supply chain will be essential to avoid fallout from origin-related restrictions.
Disposables and Refillable Products Take Different Paths
The compromise SB2024 makes disposables the key regulatory focus, while pod-based and open systems are temporarily spared. Brands should take note: stricter rules for disposables are coming. To build a long-term presence in the U.S., investing in refillable and open-system vapes is recommended. SP2S’s URANUS and Machine X pod systems align well with this direction.
Packaging and Ingredients Still Red Lines
Even as hardware rules loosen, strict limits remain on packaging—no mimicry of children's products, no cartoon imagery, and no inclusion of cannabinoid derivatives. Global brands must revise designs per the "2024 Disposable Vape Regulation" to ensure compliance.
Tighter Regulation Is Here to Stay
From Tennessee to Texas, several states are introducing bans on Chinese-made pre-filled disposables. Similar measures may follow at the federal level or in other states. Continuous monitoring of the SB2024 bill and similar policies is essential to stay adaptive.
Conclusion
The compromise version of the “Texas disposable vape ban” prompts the industry to reassess strategies for entering the U.S. market. While disposable vape manufacturers face new hurdles, brands focusing on refillable and open systems may find new opportunities.
SP2S remains committed to the principle of "compliance first, innovation driven." We continue to refine our supply chain and product designs. Whether in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or a potential return to the U.S. market, we will keep tracking policy trends to ensure all our products meet local regulations.
Follow SP2S for the latest regulatory insights and vape industry updates.
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