Comply with new restrictions, crackdown on vape imports – local businesses urged

…as Private Sector bodies back Govt’s move to protect citizens

Local private sector bodies have thrown support behind the Government’s new measures to restrict the importation of vapes and vaping products in Guyana for recreational use, and urge businesses to fully cooperate with these efforts to address growing concerns.
On Saturday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the government’s decision to restrict the importation of vaping products, recognising the importance of safeguarding public health, especially the country’s children and young people.
According to the Private Sector Commission (PSC), this move is an important step towards protecting the health and well-being of children and young people.
“Nicotine is highly addictive and poses particular risks to developing young people. The appeal and accessibility of vaping products, including attractive packaging and flavourings, can create the misleading impression that vaping is harmless. Public-health protection must take precedence over commercial interests,” the Commission stated.
Against this backdrop, the umbrella private sector body called on commercial stakeholders to abide by the new restrictions.
“The PSC calls on importers, distributors and retailers to comply fully with the announced requirements and ensure that their sales and marketing practices do not encourage vaping among children and adolescents,” the Commission said in a statement on Sunday.
According to the PSC, clear implementation guidance and cooperation between the authorities and the business community will be essential to achieving the intended protections.
The Commission also called for sustained public education. It said that parents, teachers, health professionals and community organisations should be equipped to help young people understand the risks of vaping and make informed decisions, adding that those experiencing nicotine dependence should have access to appropriate, non-stigmatising support to quit.
“Protecting our young people’s health is a shared responsibility among government, business, families and communities. The PSC commends the President’s attention to this issue and calls for broad national support to ensure that Guyana’s children and young people can grow, learn and pursue their ambitions in good health,” the Commission stated.

Responsible commerce
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), which noted that the increasing accessibility of vaping products, particularly among school-aged children, raises serious concerns about exposure to nicotine and other potentially harmful substances.
Recognises the potential long-term implications to health and development, the Chamber supports the decisive measures taken by government to address the availability of vaping products before they reach consumers.
“The GCCI maintains that commercial activity must be accompanied by a responsibility to protect consumer health and safety. While trade remains essential to Guyana’s economic development, responsible commerce also requires recognising when products pose risks that warrant stronger regulatory intervention,” the GCCI contended in a statement on Saturday evening.
It went onto emphasise that the effectiveness of these restrictions will depend on clear regulatory guidelines, consistent enforcement and engagement with affected businesses. According to the Chamber, particular attention must be given to preventing illicit trade, which could undermine the intended public health benefits of the measures.
“The GCCI therefore calls for strengthened monitoring at ports of entry, clearly defined importation and exemption procedures, and effective enforcement against unauthorised distribution. These measures will be essential to ensuring that the restrictions meaningfully reduce access to vaping products, particularly among young people, without creating opportunities for unregulated markets,” the Chamber said.

Prioritising citizens’ welfare
Meanwhile, the Association for Democracy and Human Rights (Guyana) Inc. also welcomed the announcement of sweeping restrictions on the importation of vapes and vaping products to promote stronger public health safeguards.
“The Association commends the President for placing the welfare of citizens at the centre of this decision. His warning that uncertainty about long-term effects should not be treated as evidence of safety provides a clear basis for precautionary action. Protecting young people requires timely intervention when credible concerns emerge… Children deserve an environment that supports healthy development, backed by public education and meaningful safeguards against potentially harmful products,” it noted in a statement on Sunday.
Moreover, the Association also joined in calls encouraging the prompt formalisation of the announced restrictions, clear guidance for importers and retailers, and consistent enforcement once the order takes effect as well as widespread public awareness efforts.
In his announcement on Saturday, President Ali indicated that Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh will sign an order under the Customs Act to restrict imports of all types of vapes, with exceptions requiring approval from the Minister responsible for health or the designated national tobacco control authorities.
Additionally, the Guyanese Leader also made an effort to distinguish between recreational vaping products and legitimate medicinal or therapeutic applications. The announced framework would allow medically justified uses where approved by the relevant health authorities and consistent with applicable laws, regulations and medical standards.