Gov’t restricts vape imports under new Customs order

–written approval limited to research, training or medical use

The government has barred the importation of vapes for recreational use under a Customs order published on Tuesday, just weeks after President Irfaan Ali announced the measure over concerns about vaping among schoolchildren.

Order No. 196 of 2026, signed by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, adds vaping devices, components and substances to the list of restricted imports under the Customs Act. The order requires written approval from the minister responsible for health, who can grant it only for scientific research, training or medical purposes. 

The restriction covers disposable, rechargeable and refillable devices, including electronic cigarettes, vape pens, pod devices and dry-herb vaporisers. It also applies to parts such as cartridges, coils and chargers designed for vaping devices, even when imported separately, as well as liquids, oils and other substances intended for vaping. Products are covered whether or not they contain nicotine, tobacco, cannabis or cannabinoids. 

Medical inhalation products, including inhaled medicines, nebulisers, ventilators and oxygen therapy equipment, are excluded from the order’s definition of vaping products. The exclusion applies to qualifying medical products imported by individuals for personal use as well as by hospitals, pharmacies and other providers, regardless of whether they are supplied on prescription. Room humidifiers and diffusers are also excluded. 

On October 18, Ali said the government acted after parents, teachers and community leaders raised concerns about how easily children and teenagers could obtain vaping products. He warned of the risk of nicotine addiction and urged parents and educators to speak to young people about the risks of vaping. 

Ali’s announcement had also referred to a role for tobacco control authorities in determining which products could qualify for an exception. The published order names the minister responsible for health as the authority who can give written approval.