Vape import restrictions now in effect 

The importation of vaping products, electronic cigarettes, and related components into Guyana is now restricted following the publication of a new Customs Order in the Official Gazette on Tuesday. The new order takes effect almost a month after President Irfaan Ali announced the Government’s intention to introduce the measure.
Order No. 196 of 2026, titled the Customs (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2026, amends the list of restricted imports under the Customs Act, Cap. 82:01, to include vaping products, devices, components and substances.
The order was signed on Tuesday by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, under powers conferred by Section 43(2) of the Customs Act.
Under the new provisions, the importation of vaping products is restricted unless written approval is granted by the health minister. Such approval, however, can only be granted where the products are intended for scientific research, training, or medical purposes.
The Order provides a broad definition of vaping products, covering devices, and substances regardless of whether they contain, or are intended for use with, nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, cannabinoids, or any other substance.
It also captures disposable, rechargeable, and refillable devices that use batteries, electric current, or other energy sources to heat or vaporise substances for inhalation.
These include electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes, vape pens, pod devices, box mods, dab pens, and dry-herb vaporisers.
Vaping substances are also covered and include e-liquids, oils, distillates, concentrates, waxes, resins and gels packaged, labelled, marketed, or intended for use in vaping devices.
However, the Order excludes medical inhalation products, humidifiers, diffusers, and similar appliances designed to release vapour or mist into a room rather than for direct inhalation. It also excludes devices manufactured for the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of diseases and other health conditions.
The restriction applies to importation and does not, by itself, establish a general prohibition on the possession, sale or use of vaping products already in the country.
The move follows growing concerns raised by parents, teachers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders locally about the accessibility of vaping products to children and teenagers.
President Ali announced the planned restriction on October 17, citing concerns about the widespread and unregulated importation, sale and use of the products, particularly among schoolchildren.
He said the Government had a responsibility to protect public health, especially the well-being of children and young people, and ensure that products which could pose risks to consumers were subject to appropriate oversight and control.
The Head of State also highlighted concerns about nicotine addiction, possible effects on brain development among children and adolescents, risks during pregnancy, and potential respiratory and mental health consequences.
He warned that the absence of complete scientific knowledge about the long-term effects of vaping should not be interpreted as evidence that the practice is safe.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had also addressed the proposed measure in October, explaining that the Government had considered different approaches, including legislation to prohibit vaping and possession of the devices.
However, restricting imports was considered a more practical approach to enforcement.
Concerns had been raised about vaping products being readily accessible to underage children, including through sales at various Chinese supermarkets.
The President had urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community representatives to educate children and young people about the dangers associated with vaping, particularly the potential risks posed by additives in the products.