Imports of vaping products restricted

The Guyana government has formally restricted the importation of vaping products, devices, and related substances, citing concerns about growing use among children and young people and potential public health risks. Dr Ashni Singh, senior minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, signed the Customs (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2026 on Wednesday, which was subsequently published in the Official Gazette. The Order prohibits the importation of vaping products, vaping devices, components, and substances, except where approval is granted in writing by the Minister responsible for Health, who may only grant approval for scientific research, training, or medical purposes. The measure follows an announcement by President Irfaan Ali, who said the government was prompted by 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 cited concerns about nicotine addiction, potential effects on brain development in children and adolescents, risks during pregnancy, and possible respiratory and mental health consequences, warning that "The absence of complete knowledge about those long-term effects must not be mistaken for evidence of safety." The Order broadly defines vaping products to include devices, components, and substances, whether or not they contain nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, cannabinoids, or other substances, and covers electronic cigarettes, vape pens, pod devices, box mods, dab pens, and dry-herb vaporisers, among other equipment, as well as e-liquids, oils, distillates, concentrates, waxes, resins, and gels intended for use with a vaping device. 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, and provides exemptions for devices designed and manufactured for the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of diseases, disorders, or abnormal health conditions and their symptoms.

(Source：Jamaica Gleaner)