Can You Ship Tobacco or Vape Products?

Tobacco rules are strict and vary dramatically by carrier. FedEx prohibits all tobacco. UPS accepts it with a contract but bans vapes entirely. USPS prohibits cigarettes.

FedEx — Tobacco Completely Prohibited

Sealed tobacco boxes with adult signature labels being prepared for shipping

FedEx prohibits the shipping of tobacco and tobacco products entirely. This includes:

Cigarettes and cigars
Loose tobacco (pipe, chewing, rolling)
Smokeless tobacco
Hookah or shisha
Vaporizers and e-cigarettes

Even if you have proper licenses, FedEx will not accept tobacco shipments at any FedEx or FedEx Office location.

UPS — Contract Only (No Vapes)

UPS accepts tobacco products only under a signed UPS agreement
Cigarettes and little cigars cannot be shipped to consumers — licensee-to-licensee only
All vaping products are prohibited — e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-liquids, regardless of nicotine content
Must use Adult Signature Required on all tobacco shipments
Federal labeling, record-keeping, and tax-collecting obligations apply (18 U.S.C. § 376a)
Quantity limits apply per federal law
Most states require tax stamps on tobacco products
Shippers must make an annual certification of compliance to UPS (Addendum A)
UPS does not serve any entity on the ATF PACT Act Non-Compliant List

USPS Rules

USPS: Federal law (the PACT Act) prohibits USPS from delivering cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Some cigar shipments may be allowed under specific conditions. Check current USPS regulations.

The bottom line: If you are an individual trying to ship tobacco products, your options are extremely limited. Licensed businesses with carrier contracts may ship through UPS, but the compliance requirements are substantial.

We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. This information is for educational purposes and reflects carrier policies as we understand them. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult the carrier directly and review applicable federal and state regulations before shipping regulated items.

Reference: UPS official tobacco shipping policy →

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to the most common questions about packaging, carriers, pricing, and what to expect.

Can I ship cigars through USPS?

The PACT Act restricts tobacco shipments through USPS. Cigar shipments may be allowed in limited circumstances — check current USPS regulations and federal law.

Can I ship vape juice or e-liquids?

No — UPS prohibits all vaping products. FedEx also prohibits them. USPS restrictions apply. Vape products are effectively unshippable through major carriers.

Can a licensed tobacco shop ship to customers?

Through UPS, yes — with a signed UPS agreement and compliance with all federal and state laws. Cigarettes and little cigars cannot go to consumers. Cigars may have different rules.

Tobacco shipping is complex. For everything else, we make it simple — stop by Mailbox Plus.

Get Directions →