On July 2nd, 2016, while leaving Hong Kong on a United Airlines flight back to the USA.

My carry-on backpack contained 35 small personal vaporizers. Security told me to go back to the UA desk and get permission. I was able to fly, but was told that in HKIA, there is a limit of 2 personal vaporizers.
Can I fly from Shenzhen with 30 or 40 personal Vaporizers? I hope it is legal, if not, I just won't do it, but really would like to find out.
Thanks in advance