Ashni Singh signs order restricting vaping products imports
Guyana has restricted vaping product imports after Finance Minister Ashni Singh signed a Customs Act amendment, with exceptions for approved medical or research uses.Summary
Guyana's Senior Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, signed the Customs (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2026 on November 10, restricting the importation of vaping products, devices, components, and substances. The order, published in the Official Gazette, follows President Irfaan Ali's announcement amid concerns about youth vaping. Imports are banned unless the Health Minister grants written approval for scientific research, training, or medical purposes. The order broadly defines vaping products to include devices like e-cigarettes and vape pens, and substances such as e-liquids and oils, regardless of nicotine content. Exceptions are made for medical inhalation products and devices for diagnosing or treating diseases. President Ali urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to educate children about vaping risks, citing nicotine addiction, brain development effects, pregnancy risks, and respiratory and mental health concerns, stressing that lack of long-term evidence does not mean vaping is safe.
(Source：Kaieteurnewsonline)
