The United States Postal Service (USPS) has ramped up its crackdown on the distribution of unregulated vapes, intercepting shipments sent through its services, according to letters reviewed by Reuters.

This effort targets a growing underground market that has undermined sales in the traditional tobacco industry, particularly concerning flavored vaping products that are often sold without appropriate regulatory oversight.

The crackdown comes as the vaping industry, valued at billions of dollars, continues to challenge Big Tobacco's dominance in the market.

The industry’s rapid expansion has been linked to the declining sales of conventional cigarettes, raising concerns among health authorities and regulators about the rising popularity of unregulated vape products.

The USPS’s efforts to curb illegal vape distribution are particularly focused on curtailing shipments to distributors and retailers who are not adhering to federal and state regulations.

Recent letters from USPS officials indicate that shipments containing e-cigarettes and vaping products are being flagged, with increased scrutiny on packages being mailed across state lines.

This escalation in enforcement follows the broader regulatory pressure surrounding the vaping industry, which has faced a series of restrictions and scrutiny over the health implications of vaping, particularly among minors.

The move by USPS is part of a wider federal initiative to ensure that vaping products meet the required legal standards, aiming to reduce the flow of unregulated products in the market.

The crackdown is seen as a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the fast-growing vaping industry and traditional tobacco companies, with the latter facing dwindling sales amid increased public awareness of the risks associated with smoking.

Industry experts suggest that the USPS’s actions could further restrict the availability of unregulated vapes, potentially reshaping the market dynamics in the coming years.