The PACT Act & Vape Shipping: What It Means for Your Order
The PACT Act, often called the “vape mail ban,” is the federal law that controls how vape products are sold and shipped online. Here’s what it requires and how it affects your Vape Society Supply order.
Quick facts for VSS customers
- We ship vape products to most of the U.S. using specialized carriers. See what ships to your state.
- Every order needs an adult signature (21+) with a valid photo ID at delivery. The $8.00 adult signature fee is added at checkout.
- State and local vape taxes are collected at checkout, as the law requires.
- We can’t ship to PO Boxes.
What is the PACT Act?
The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act became law in 2010 to stop untaxed cigarettes and smokeless tobacco from being sold online and shipped by mail. On December 27, 2020, Congress expanded it to cover vape products through the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, part of that year’s federal spending bill.
The law covers e-liquids, disposables, pods, vape devices, coils and other parts and accessories, with or without nicotine.
What online vape sellers must do
Since March 27, 2021, every online vape seller must:
- Register with the ATF and with the tax office of each state they ship to.
- Verify your age before accepting your order, using your name, date of birth and address.
- Collect state and local taxes before the order ships.
- Ship with an ID check: an adult 21 or older must sign for the package and show a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Label every package with a federal tax notice and report each month’s sales to state tax authorities.
Why USPS, UPS and FedEx don’t deliver vapes
| DATE | WHAT HAPPENED |
|---|---|
| Dec 27, 2020 | Vape products are added to the PACT Act. |
| Mar 1, 2021 | FedEx stops shipping vape products. |
| Mar 27, 2021 | The new seller rules take effect: registration, age checks, taxes and reporting. |
| Apr 5, 2021 | UPS stops delivering vape products to consumers. |
| Oct 21, 2021 | The USPS ban on mailing vape products takes effect. |
With the major carriers out, we ship with specialized carriers that handle the adult signature and ID check, and we offer pickup at PUDOpoint counters. See shipping options and prices.
What it means for your order
- Adult signature (21+): the person who signs must be 21 or older and show a valid government-issued photo ID. The $8.00 fee covers this service.
- Taxes: state and local vape taxes are added at checkout.
- Where we deliver: homes and businesses, but not PO Boxes. You can also pick up at a PUDOpoint counter near you.
- Missed signature: if no one 21+ can sign and show ID, the package may be returned to us. Returns for a missed signature or ID have a $14 restocking fee.
- State rules: some states and cities limit or ban online vape sales. Check your state.
PACT Act FAQ
Why do I pay an adult signature fee?
Federal law requires an adult signature and ID check on every vape delivery. Carriers charge for this service, and the $8.00 fee covers it.
Can someone else sign for my order?
Yes, as long as they are 21 or older and show a valid government-issued photo ID when the package arrives.
Does the PACT Act apply to nicotine-free products?
Yes. It covers vape products, parts and accessories whether or not they contain nicotine.
Why can’t you ship to my state?
Some states and cities ban or restrict online vape sales on top of the PACT Act. Use our ZIP code check to see what ships to you.
How long does delivery take?
Standard shipping takes 3–7 business days, and PUDOpoint pickup takes 3–5 business days. Orders of $99 or more ship free.
This page is a plain-language summary for our customers, not legal advice.