Guyana has closed the door to recreational vape imports, nearly a month after President Irfaan Ali announced plans to curb children’s access to the devices amid concerns about vaping in schools.

The Customs (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2026, officially Order No. 196 of 2026., published in Tuesday’s Official Gazette, adds vaping devices, parts and substances to the list of restricted imports under the Customs Act. The Minister of Health can approve imports in writing only for scientific research, training or medical purposes.

The restrictions cover disposable and refillable vapes, e-cigarettes, pods, coils and e-liquids. They also apply to nicotine-free products and vape parts imported separately. Medical inhalation products such as asthma inhalers and nebulisers are exempt, as are room humidifiers and diffusers.

Ali announced the move on October 17 after parents, teachers and community leaders raised concerns about how easily children could get vapes. The Ministry of Health’s school screening programme had also flagged vaping among adolescents.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall said in October that the government considered outlawing vaping and possession of the devices, but opted for import restrictions because they would be easier to enforce. The gazetted order deals with what can be brought into the country and gives no instructions to retailers on how to handle stock already in Guyana.