The vape shipping landscape continues to evolve. Here are some trends and developments to watch:

1. More State Restrictions

More states are considering online vape sales restrictions and flavor bans. States like Maryland, Minnesota, Hawaii, and others have active legislation that could further restrict online vape sales. The trend is clearly toward more regulation, not less.

2. Better Compliance Technology

Age verification technology is improving rapidly. AI-powered ID verification, facial recognition, and blockchain-based age verification are all being tested. This could make compliance easier for retailers and smoother for consumers.

3. Industry Consolidation

As compliance costs rise, smaller online retailers are being squeezed out. The market is consolidating toward larger, well-funded retailers that can afford to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. This trend is covered in more detail in our analysis of the compliant vape market consolidation.

4. Potential Policy Changes

There's ongoing debate in Congress about whether the PACT Act's vaping provisions are too broad. Some lawmakers have proposed carve-outs for certain types of products or adjustments to the USPS ban. However, given the political climate around youth vaping, any changes are more likely to add restrictions than remove them.