President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced restrictions on the importation of vapes and vaping products into Guyana, citing growing concerns about their potential health risks, particularly among children and young people.
The measure prohibits the importation of vapes of all kinds, except where approved by the Minister of Health or the National Tobacco Control Council or Tobacco Control Board.
President Ali said the decision reflects growing public concern about the widespread and unregulated importation, sale and use of vaping products, as well as the need for stronger public health protections.
He noted that several countries have already introduced restrictions on vaping products as part of efforts to strengthen regulation and safeguard public health.
Although vaping products are often marketed as alternatives to conventional cigarettes, the President warned that they are not harmless, pointing to concerns about exposure to toxic substances and the potential effects on young people.
He said the restrictions would still allow legitimate medicinal and therapeutic applications, subject to oversight by the relevant health authorities.
“As a responsible government, as a listening government, we have a duty to protect public health, particularly the health and well-being of our children and young people,” he said.
