Georgetown residents and business organisations have welcomed the Government’s planned restrictions on vape imports, and some want stronger measures to prevent illegal sales and protect children from accessing the products.

Georgetown resident Carl McKenzie described the move as necessary because more children are using vaping products and underage access must be prevented.
“I think this is a good move because right now, it’s being used by a lot of kids, and they don’t know the harm,” McKenzie said.

Another resident, Julian Wilson, said the restrictions must be strong enough to prevent illegal importation and distribution. He argued that a complete ban should be considered.

“I only hope that the Government puts strong restrictions in place, because people will try to bring it in illegally and sell it,” Wilson said.

The business community shared those concerns. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association and the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) support measures to regulate vape imports.

In a statement, the CCCC said it had raised concerns with the Region Six Regional Commander about schoolchildren in uniform who can access vaping products at supermarkets and other establishments.

The CCCC said the effectiveness of the restrictions would depend on a clear legal framework, consistent enforcement and public education. It also urged parents, schools, community leaders and business operators to work together to discourage children and adolescents from accessing vaping products.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana and the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana have also welcomed the proposed restrictions, citing concerns about children’s health and access to potentially addictive products.

President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the planned measure on Saturday, saying an order under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, would restrict the importation of vapes and vaping products, except those approved by the Health Minister or the relevant tobacco-control authorities.

The restrictions are intended primarily to address recreational use while preserving the possibility of authorised medicinal, therapeutic and alternative applications.
The President said the measure responds to concerns raised by parents, teachers, religious leaders and communities about vaping among children and young people.