The Government of Papua New Guinea has officially prohibited the use and entry of e-cigarette products into the country, Health Minister Elias Kapavore confirmed during a press briefing yesterday.
The decision, supported by legal counsel and a recommendation from the National Intelligence Organisation, comes as authorities grow increasingly worried about the popularity of vaping among children and teenagers.
Minister Kapavore revealed that the Health Department had finalized the ban, which will be enforced one week after publication in the National Gazette.
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| PNG Government Bans E-Cigarettes Following Health and Intelligence Advice |
“The e-cigarette ban includes the sale, distribution, and importation of all vaping devices and liquids. Violators will face heavy penalties under the law,” Kapavore said. Individuals may be fined K10,000, while corporate offenders, especially those linked to the tobacco industry, could face up to K200,000 in fines.
Health officials noted that Customs is prepared to enforce the new rules and identify retail outlets currently stocking the products.
The minister referenced the Tobacco Control Act 2016 as the legal framework enabling the ban, adding that the growing presence of flavored and chemically-laden vaping products posed serious health risks, especially to youths.
“E-cigarette aerosols can contain carcinogenic substances and toxic additives. Even non-users near those vaping are at risk,” he warned.
According to ministry data, tobacco use contributes to nearly 9% of national mortality, and smoking costs the PNG economy more than K787 million annually.
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