It is strictly regulated.
Vaping indoors in China is prohibited under national and local laws, with enforcement tightening since the 2022 Regulations on the Protection of Minors from Electronic Cigarettes and the 2026 State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) compliance directives. Public indoor spaces, including restaurants, offices, and public transport, are off-limits for vaping, while some regions impose stricter penalties. Violations may result in fines up to ¥10,000 ($1,400) under the Law on the Protection of Minors and Public Health Emergency Regulations.
Key Regulations for Vaping Indoors in China
- National Ban: The Regulations on the Protection of Minors from Electronic Cigarettes (2022) and Interim Measures for the Administration of Electronic Cigarettes (2022) prohibit vaping in all indoor public spaces, aligning with the Smoke-Free Environment Regulations (2014). Enforcement is overseen by the STMA and local health authorities.
- Local Variations: Municipal governments (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai) enforce additional restrictions via local smoke-free ordinances, banning vaping in workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. Violations trigger escalating fines and potential business license revocations.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The STMA’s 2026 Electronic Cigarette Compliance Inspection Plan mandates stricter indoor vaping enforcement, including mandatory signage in public venues and real-time reporting of violations by property managers. Non-compliance risks corporate liability under the Environmental Protection Law.