Guyana to restrict vape imports to protect youth

President Irfaan Ali has announced significant restrictions on the importation of electronic cigarettes and other vaping products in Guyana. The measure, to be implemented under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, will prohibit the import of all vapes for recreational use unless they receive explicit approval from the Minister of Health, the National Tobacco Control Council, or the Tobacco Control Board.

The decision follows widespread concerns from parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members regarding the increasing accessibility and use of vaping products among schoolchildren. President Ali noted that while these products are often marketed as alternatives to traditional cigarettes, they pose serious health risks, including nicotine addiction, respiratory issues, and potential harm to brain development in adolescents.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh is expected to sign the official order. While recreational products face strict limitations, the government indicated that medicinal and therapeutic applications may still be permitted subject to regulatory oversight. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have expressed support for the move, emphasizing that public health must take precedence over commercial interests.