THE PIPELINE

Ninety-five percent of the nitrous oxide sold in the United States originates in Chinese chemical factories. It passes through U.S. ports with no import license, no FDA screening, and no end-use verification. It is classified, taxed, and waved through. Six federal agencies have partial jurisdiction. None takes responsibility.
95%
OF US N2O FROM CHINA
790
SHIPMENTS IN 12 MONTHS
78%
YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH
59%
OF GLOBAL N2O SHIPMENTS → US

THE SUPPLY CHAIN IN SEVEN STEPS

01
CHINESE FACTORY
$15 per 3.3L canister
02
US PORT OF ENTRY
HTS 2811.29 — no screening
03
BRAND / IMPORTER
Galaxy Gas, GreatWhip, MOOWHIP
04
WHOLESALE
No license required
05
SMOKE SHOP
No age verification in most states
06
CONSUMER
Average age of death: 22
07
FEDERAL OVERSIGHT
6 agencies, 0 enforcement

INTERACTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN VISUALIZATION

Full interactive pipeline map with verified sources at every node. Traces the journey from Hunan Province to your local smoke shop, documenting every regulatory gap along the way.

Note: The interactive visualization is optimized for desktop browsers. Mobile users will see a static overview of the pipeline.
→ OPEN INTERACTIVE PIPELINE MAP
Key gap: No import license is required at any quantity. CBP does not screen for end-use. EPA TSCA compliance is a self-certification checkbox. The FDA has tools under the FD&C Act to issue import alerts and seize misbranded products — the same authority used to seize $76 million in unauthorized e-cigarettes in October 2024. For nitrous oxide: zero seizures, ever.