Guyana bans recreational vaping products

Last Updated on Monday, 19 October 2026, 15:55 by Writer

Amid growing international and local concerns about the impact of vaping on respiratory and mental health, President Irfaan Ali on Saturday said his government would soon restrict the importation of all kinds of vapes, excepting those approved by the relevant authorities.

“This measure is necessary in light of growing concerns over the widespread and unregulated importation, sale and use of vapes and vaping products in Guyana,” he said on a social media webcast.

Dr Ali said vapes for therapeutic and medicinal purposes would be allowed in Guyana only after they are approved by the health minister, National Tobacco Control Council or Tobacco Control Board.

He indicated that Guyana was following in the footsteps of several countries that have imposed restrictions on the importation and distribution of vaping products.

He also said his administration was responding to concerns by parents, teachers, community leaders, children and the wider society.

“Recognising the need for greater regulation in the interest of public health, the restrictions that I have authorized are consistent with this broader international effort and indeed in listening to parents, teachers, community leaders, children and society as a whole,” he said.

The president said vaping has become a matter of increasing public health concern internationally.

Although these products are often marketed as alternative to conventional cigarettes, the World Health Organisation has repeatedly warned about the use of vaping and its effect on mental health and young people, children especially.

“Vaping products can expose users to toxic substances that pose risk to human health. I want to make it very clear that vaping is an issue confronting every society,” he said.

The Guyanese leader said there are alternatives to cigarettes and nicotine that are available in the form of vapes but the decision on the qualification has to be done by the Tobacco Control Board.

“Vaping with all of the other alternative substances is negatively affecting our children and young people. It leads to addiction that can affect brain development in children and adolescents,” President Ali said.

He also said the long-term consequences of vaping is not only health-related but can change the social dimensions of society affecting children and young people who are exposed to vaping at an early age.

The president said no one should pretend that they are unaware of the consequences of vaping on children, the school system, and teenagers in Guyana and across the Caribbean and internationally.

“I pray that we continue to be guided by faith and strengthen in our approach to the national development, social protection and the values we want to pass on to the generations of Guyanese,” he added.