"While research into the impact of these additives on health is underway, it is proved that e-cigarettes also contain nicotine that can harm the development of children and teenagers."

The government notice also called for stepping up supervision over the entire industry of e-cigarettes, including the brick-and-mortar stores.

There are over 300 million smokers in China, and 28.1 percent of people aged 15 years and older smoke. The country aims at slashing the percentage to 20 percent by 2030.