Guyana bans importation of vaping products amid concerns over youth use
Key Points(5)
- The Guyana government has formally prohibited the importation of vaping products, devices and related substances, citing growing concerns about their use among children and young people and the potential risks to public health.
- Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr.
- Ashni Singh signed the Customs (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2026 on Wednesday, November 11.
- The order was subsequently published in the Official Gazette.
- The new measure amends the Second Schedule to the Customs Act, prohibiting the importation of vaping products, devices, components and substances unless written approval is granted by the minister responsible for health.
The Guyana government has formally prohibited the importation of vaping products, devices and related substances, citing growing concerns about their use among children and young people and the potential risks to public health.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh signed the Customs (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2026 on Wednesday, November 11. The order was subsequently published in the Official Gazette.
The new measure amends the Second Schedule to the Customs Act, prohibiting the importation of vaping products, devices, components and substances unless written approval is granted by the minister responsible for health.
Such approval may only be granted for products intended for scientific research, training or medical purposes.
The restriction follows an announcement by President Irfaan Ali, who said the government was responding to concerns raised by parents, teachers, religious leaders and other members of society about the widespread and unregulated importation, sale and use of vaping products.
Ali highlighted several potential health risks associated with vaping, including nicotine addiction, effects on brain development in children and adolescents, risks during pregnancy, and possible respiratory and mental health consequences.
“The absence of complete knowledge about those long-term effects must not be mistaken for evidence of safety,” he warned.
The president said discussions with parents, teachers and children had revealed growing concerns about vaping among teenagers and schoolchildren.
He urged families, educators, religious leaders and community representatives to raise awareness about the risks, particularly those associated with additives in vaping products.
“We have to protect our children, we have to protect our schools, we have to protect our society,” Ali said.
Under the order, vaping products are broadly defined to include devices, components and substances, whether or not they contain or are intended for use with nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, cannabinoids or other substances.
The restrictions cover disposable, rechargeable and refillable devices that use batteries, electric currents or other energy sources to heat or vaporize substances for inhalation.
These include electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes, vape pens, pod devices, box mods, dab pens and dry-herb vaporizers.
The prohibition also extends to vaping substances such as e-liquids, oils, distillates, concentrates, waxes, resins and gels, whether or not they contain nicotine or cannabinoids, provided they are packaged, labeled, marketed or intended for use with vaping devices.
However, the order excludes medical inhalation products, humidifiers, diffusers and similar appliances designed to release vapor or mist into a room rather than for direct inhalation.
Exemptions also apply to devices specifically designed and manufactured for the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of diseases, disorders or other health conditions.
Ali said the restriction is intended to strengthen public health protections while allowing authorities to approve legitimate medical and therapeutic applications.
