Irfaan Ali Announces Plan to Restrict Recreational Vape Imports in Guyana

Guyana plans to restrict imports of recreational vapes, with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali citing concerns about young people’s use of the products. The proposed measure would bar imports of vape products unless they are approved by the health minister, the National Tobacco Control Council or the Tobacco Control Board. Ali said nicotine addiction and possible effects on children and adolescents were among the issues behind the move. He also pointed to concerns about nicotine exposure during pregnancy and potential respiratory and mental health consequences. According to the report, the president said he had discussed vaping with teachers, parents and children. He described the presence of vapes among teenagers—and in some cases younger schoolchildren—as a serious concern. The planned restrictions are not presented as an outright ban on every product: medicinal and therapeutic uses, as well as alternatives to conventional cigarettes, could still be permitted if they receive authorization from the relevant health authorities. The proposal places oversight and approval at the centre of the government’s approach, distinguishing recreational imports from products that may be accepted for legitimate health-related purposes. The report does not provide a start date for the restrictions or further details about how approval applications would be handled. Ali’s stated rationale focuses on protecting young people and addressing concerns about nicotine and possible health effects. The government’s plan would give designated health authorities a role in deciding which products may enter the country, while limiting access to recreational vape imports.