A shortage of Geek Bar vapes has hit the US market ever since Donald Trump began a trade war with China in February 2025.
Data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows that in May, the US received only 71 shipments of products labeled as e-cigarettes from China, compared to almost 1,200 shipments imported during the same period in 2024.
But why the colossal drop?
Geek Bars are made in China. With import tariffs on China currently sitting at a staggering 30% and increased crackdowns on unauthorized e-cigarettes by the US government, the availability of Geek Bars has been severely affected.
These are the two reasons for the Geek Bar shortage. Which begs the question: Are Geek Bar vapes unauthorized in the US?
Are Geek Bar Vapes Illegal?
Geek Bar vapes are illegal in the US because they are a line of flavored vapes unauthorized by the FDA. While some menthol-flavored products have received FDA authorization, the vast majority of flavored e-cigarettes are not authorized for sale in US markets.
The FDA has consistently denied applications for the approval of flavored e-cigs like Geek Bars, particularly due to their youth appeal and potential health risks. Many states have explicitly placed bans on flavored vapes, such as the Geek Bar, further cementing their nationwide ban.
But it's not just the ban on Geek Bars that has caused the shortage of this in-demand product.
In fact, Geek Bars have always found their way into the US market due to lax import controls. Thanks to their superior quality and fascinating flavors, Geek Bars consistently see high demand among smoke quitters as a tobacco alternative. In 2024, Geek Bar Pulse 15K was the best-selling disposable vape in the US. Due to the high demand, suppliers and manufacturers find loopholes within Customs controls to sneak in these unauthorized products.
However, the high tariffs recently imposed on Chinese products have forced importers to withdraw. Suppliers who once received 100 boxes of Geek Bar vapes per week from China now get only 10 boxes, according to a Reuters report. What's more, there is an ongoing blockbuster seizure of unauthorized vapes by the FDA and Customs and Border Protection, further discouraging the supply of Geek Bars.
Are Geek Bars Discontinued?
Geek Bars haven't been discontinued, although there is a supply disruption in the US due to the enforced ban on unauthorized flavored vapes and increased import tariffs.
Geek Bars aren't FDA-approved, so the recent tightening of import inspection and seizures of unauthorized goods by Customs authorities is forcing Geek Bars off retail shelves.
But make no mistake that the industry will adapt, as it always does. In fact, demand for Geek Bar Pulse & Pulse X hasn't slowed. As long as there is demand, manufacturers will likely find workarounds to continue supply, knowing that the US is the largest market for disposable vapes.
For example, vapes from China have often been smuggled under spoof labels in the past in order to evade officials hunting for contraband at the border. Some mislabel their shipments as shoes or toys, while some can change their country of origin to avoid huge tariffs placed on Chinese imports.
And it's a known fact that flavored e-cigarettes have high profit margins, so it's hard to imagine that distributors would completely discontinue the sale of Geek Bar Pulse & Pulse X. Some of the increased import costs can be absorbed by consumers. A Geek Bar is now sold for around $30, a $10 increase from before the scarcity began.
Despite that, the brand remains competitive.
Some market insiders are already speculating on the creation of black markets due to the ban on Geek Bars. But what the future holds remains to be seen.
Note: FDA records show that the number of Geek Bar vapes that got through the border in May was very low. But it's possible that more actually sneaked in under spoof labels to avoid scrutiny and seizures.
Are Geek Bars FDA Approved?
Geek Bar vapes are not FDA approved, and hence unauthorized for sale in the US. The FDA requires a Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for all new tobacco products and disposable vapes, such as Geek Bar. The Geek Bar brand has not had this application approved by the FDA.
No, it's not because Geek Bars pose any more health risk than other vapes. The FDA has explicitly stated the youth appeal of flavored e-liquids as the reason for its stand against Geek Bars.
In December 2024, the FDA warned retailers against the sale of youth-appealing e-cigarettes, including Geek Bar.
But the purpose of flavors in e-liquid was not to entice underage users. It was to give adult vapers unique experiences. Responsible retailers like VapingLand sell vape products only to legal adults.
In California, New York, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Utah, flavored vapes are banned.
But none of that has ever seemed to impact the sale of Geek Bars by much. At least, not until now.
According to market research company Circana, Geek Bar was by far the most popular flavored vape brand in the United States in 2024, accounting for around a quarter of the total flavored vape sales, despite being unauthorized by the FDA.
Can You Still Get Geek Bars?
You can still get Geek Bars at VapingLand. Stock is limited and selling out fast, so hurry now to get yours before it's too late.
It might become increasingly more difficult to get Geek Bar vapes in the US if tariffs on China remain sky-high and restrictions do not loosen up. Thanks to the costs and import difficulties, Vape shipments have dwindled every month since February versus 2024, with the biggest crash occurring in May, according to Reuters.
"Due to increased tariffs, rising production costs, and reduced supply chain capacity, the manufacturer has informed us that they will be reducing supply volume in the near-term," one Geek Bar wholesaler wrote to customers on April 22.
If you're hooked on Geek Bars, it's smart to stock up on as many as you can get your hands on now. Even if suppliers find a way around the Geek Bar ban, we expect prices to surge in the coming months. The Price of available stock has already soared due to scarcity.
Also, if this ban leads to unregulated sales in black markets, more fake Geek Bars may flood the market. That's no good for anyone.
Visit VapingLand to stock up on Geek Bars now.
Top 20+ Geek Bar Flavors Ranked for 2025: Pulse, Meloso & More
Do Shops Still Sell Geek Bars?
Geek Bars are still available in some retail shops like VapingLand, despite the shortage. This is either from old stock or the few they were able to obtain ever since the supply chain got disrupted.
Supply has drastically reduced, though, so you may not be able to get as many Geek Bar units at a time as before. Consumers are also panic buying, scared they'll lose access to their favorite disposable vapes.
To avoid missing out or buying later at outrageous prices, visit VapingLand now to purchase your favorite Geek Bars.
Why did the FDA Ban Vapes?
The FDA has not imposed a ban on all vapes. However, there's a ban on flavored ones, including Geek Bars, and the major reason is because of their seemingly youth appeal.
Here's why certain vapes are banned by the FDA:
1. No FDA authorization
All new vape products must apply for PMTA. If the application isn't approved by PMTA, it's illegal to sell in the US.
2. Youth appeal
Many disposable vapes like Geek Bars come in flavors that are considered appealing to teens because of their sweet tastes. Although the brands do not explicitly target teens, the FDA argues that's the case and therefore bans flavored vapes.
3. Underaged vaping crisis
Despite retailers putting age verification measures in place to avoid selling vapes to underage buyers, teens still find illicit ways to obtain these devices. To minimize underage use, the FDA bans vapes that may be attractive to youngsters, specifically flavored ones.
Nevertheless, some menthol and tobacco-flavored vapes are FDA-approved and legal.
That said, some states like Indiana are moving to ban vapes altogether, whether flavored or not.
Where Can You Buy Geek Bar Vapes?
VapingLand is a premium and reputable destination for Geek Bar vapes. From the older Geek Bar Pulse 15k to the latest Pulse X 25K, there's a variety of flavors to choose from.
But the product is selling out fast, and we expect restocking to get even more challenging in the near future due to the restrictions.
If you're looking to stock up on Geek Bars before the supply chain completely collapses, hurry now to VapingLand.
Conclusion
So, are Geek Bars banned in the US? Yes, Geek Bars are banned in the US, and it has been so for a long time. Geek Bars are banned because they are a line of flavored vapes, which are unauthorized for sale by the FDA.
However, these products have always found their way to the US market through porous Customs control, until the recent US-China trade war began in 2025, leading to a crackdown on unauthorized goods coming from China.
