Guyana order to bar vape imports, with approved exceptions
A planned customs order would prohibit imports of vaping products unless the Minister of Health or tobacco control authorities approve them, the Department of Public Information said.
The Department of Public Information said Guyana plans to ban vaping products from coming into the country, with one exception. Products that the health minister or other relevant tobacco control authorities clear would still be allowed in.
The Department of Public Information published its notice on 20 October 2026. It said the ban will come through an order made under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. Dr Ashni Singh, a senior minister in the president's office who oversees finance, will sign it.
Guyana Times also reported on the plan in a piece published on 19 October 2026. It said the announcement is about an order still to come under the same Act.
Vaping is already regulated in Guyana, according to Tobacco Control Laws, a summary from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. It says e-cigarettes fall under the Tobacco Control Act 2017. They are also covered by the 2018 packaging and labelling regulations. The planned customs order would add a control on imports to these rules.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids summary, Tobacco Control Laws, says the 2017 Act counts e-cigarette use as smoking. So vaping is banned wherever smoking is banned. That includes indoor public places, workplaces and public transport.
Briefs.co, citing Bloomberg, reported that Health Minister Frank Anthony gave the health reasons for the move. He said screening had covered more than 100,000 children. Most vape users identified were high school students. He also called vaping a gateway product.
The Department of Public Information said the order is still to be signed by Dr Ashni Singh.
The story was first reported by Department of Public Information.