Last Updated on Monday, 19 October 2026, 17:30 by Writer
The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Sunday called on authorities to ensure that vaping products are not smuggled into the country in violation of the virtual ban in light of adverse impacts on youths’ health.
The GMSA also cited the need for “firm enforcement at all ports of entry to prevent illegal entry and an unregulated market.”
That association, which is an affiliate of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), called for clear guidelines on the import restriction, the approval and exemption process, and the timeline for implementation.
President Irfaan Ali did not specify a timeline for finance minister Dr Ashni Singh to issue an order under the Customs Act.
The chamber called for strengthened monitoring at ports of entry, clearly defined importation and exemption procedures, and effective enforcement against unauthorised distribution.
“These measures will be essential to ensuring that the restrictions meaningfully reduce access to vaping products, particularly among young people, without creating opportunities for unregulated markets,” the GCCI added.
The GCCI said the effectiveness of the restrictions on vaping products would depend on clear regulatory guidelines, consistent enforcement and engagement with affected businesses.
“Particular attention must be given to preventing illicit trade, which could undermine the intended public health benefits of the measures,” the city chamber said.
The GMSA called on its members and the wider business community to comply fully with the new measures and to support this national effort.
“We stand ready to work with the government, health authorities and all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of our children and the future of our nation,” the association said.
According to the GMSA, the government should consult affected businesses, so that importers and retailers can comply in an orderly way and hold public education in schools, homes and places of worship on the dangers of vaping.
The umbrella PSC, for its part, called on importers, distributors and retailers to comply fully with the announced requirements and “ensure that their sales and marketing practices do not encourage vaping among children and adolescents.
“Clear implementation guidance and cooperation between the authorities and the business community will be essential to achieving the intended protections.”
President Ali said vaping can affect respiratory, mental and reproductive health. He said the Minister of Health, Tobacco Control Board or the National Tobacco Control Council is empowered to authorise the importation of vaping products for medicinal or therapeutic purposes.
In January, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit’s (CANU) early warning system reported that that agency seized “multiple branded THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) cannabis vape cartridges”.
CANU said those products were professionally packaged, colourful, and designed to appeal to youths, indicating a shift toward high-potency cannabis concentrates disguised as consumer vape products.
CANU said the public risk entails high THC concentration, unknown contaminants, youth appeal, and illegal importation or distribution in Guyana.
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