Palau Declares E-Cigarettes Illegal: Total Ban on Import, Advertising, Sale and Use

Today, on April 4, it was reported that Palau has declared e-cigarettes illegal after President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed a law on March 29 that imposes a total ban on the import, advertising, sale, and use of e-cigarettes.

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The law - RPPL 11-27 - expands the tobacco control law to include e-cigarettes and will take effect 60 days after its promulgation.

This means that starting from May 29, businesses and individuals found in possession of e-cigarette products will be prosecuted. Authorities hope the new law will protect public health, especially for the youth of the island nation.

Individuals found in violation may face fines of $1,000 (NZD 1,588), while businesses or individuals importing, distributing, and/or selling the product may face fines of $20,000 (NZD 31,753).

The initial bill was submitted to the Palau National Congress last July.

The chair of the Tobacco Alliance and First Lady of Palau, Valerie Whipps, stated that e-cigarette products contain chemicals that affect the brain development of young people and highly addictive nicotine.

“These products are specifically designed to attract young people, and if we let this go unchecked, we will raise an entire generation harmed by these harmful products,” said the First Lady.

“I think this is a great law,” said a student from Emau's who attended the signing ceremony, adding that he has never used the product but knows people who have.

According to reports from the Island Times today, high school students, sports team members, Mechesil Belau members, church group representatives, health department representatives, and various NGO members witnessed the signing of this law.

According to statistics from the Palau Department of Health and Public Services, the number of students using e-cigarettes has significantly increased since 2019, with up to 7% of students having used e-cigarettes, with users as young as 13 years old.

“This bill will protect public health, especially our youth, from the harmful effects of e-cigarettes,” said President Whipps, adding that the law will further promote our goal of encouraging healthy lifestyles among our citizens.