More than 1.5 million vaping devices exported to Paraguay in just over a year

Global intelligence has learned that, according to official Paraguayan customs records, Paraguay imported a total of 1,572,959 vaping devices from January 2022 to June 2023. Statistics show that the taxable value of these products reached 30.5 billion Paraguayan guaraníes (approximately RMB 30.58 million). Notably, mainland China was the main supply source for Paraguay’s vaping devices, accounting for 97% of the country’s total imports. The second-largest supply region was Hong Kong, China, which exported 39,979 vaping devices to Paraguay, while the third-largest supplier was the United States, which exported 6,000 vaping devices. These products are sold in stores of all sizes across Paraguay. Back in 2019, Paraguay had already clarified the legal status of vaping devices, requiring registration before products could enter the market. Against the backdrop of strong consumer demand, Paraguay has become a gateway vaping market in Latin America. Regulations are currently relatively relaxed, with fewer restrictions, for example on open-system products and flavors. However, only authorized stores may sell them, sales must be conducted face-to-face, and online sales and vending machine sales are prohibited. In general, exporters need to submit an application to the health supervisory authority, and a certificate is issued after 90 days. This certificate means the holder can legally engage in e-cigarette business activities within Paraguay, and it is valid for five years. Major brands such as ELF BAR can still be seen in the Paraguayan market.

Comment: The country imported only 300,000 units in 2018, but by this year, in just over a year, export value had surged into the tens of millions, showing how remarkable the export growth has been. Paraguay is located in the Americas, and the local nicotine limit is currently 20mg/ml. Based on the customs data, large volumes of vaping devices from China are being exported to this country.