The Government has placed vaping devices, substances and related components on Guyana’s list of restricted imports, with approval for their importation limited to scientific research, training or medical purposes.
The measure is contained in the Customs (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2026, signed on November 10 by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and published in Tuesday’s Official Gazette.
Under the Order, vaping products can only be imported with written approval from the Minister responsible for Health. That approval is subject to specific conditions.
“Provided that the Minister shall not grant approval unless the vaping products are intended for use in scientific research, training or for a medical purpose,” the Order states.
The restrictions cover products whether or not they contain nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, a cannabinoid or any other substance. They also apply regardless of the name, brand, shape, size or form under which a product is presented or sold.
Devices covered include electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars and pipes, vape pens, pod devices, box mods, dab pens and dry-herb vaporisers. Disposable, rechargeable and refillable devices fall within the definition.
The Order also restricts the importation of parts and accessories designed or marketed for vaping devices, whether brought into the country separately or with the device.
These include cartridges, pods, tanks, atomisers, coils, wicks, heating elements, mouthpieces and flavour attachments, along with batteries, chargers and power units designed for vaping devices, other than those used for medical purposes.
Vaping substances are covered as well, including e-liquids, oils, concentrates, waxes, resins and gels packaged, labelled, marketed or intended for use with a vaping device, whether or not they contain nicotine or a cannabinoid.
However, the Order expressly excludes medical inhalation products, as well as humidifiers, diffusers and similar appliances that release vapour or mist into a room or other space rather than for direct inhalation.
The medical exclusions cover inhaled medicines and equipment such as inhalers, nebulisers, ventilators, oxygen therapy equipment and breathing-support devices, together with their associated parts and accessories.
Those exclusions apply whether the medical products are imported by hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, wholesalers or individuals for personal use, and whether or not they are supplied on prescription.
