Vaping is on the rise across the Pacific region, prompting governments to enhance their regulatory responses as a burgeoning black market emerges, posing serious threats to public health. The complexities of existing legislative frameworks coupled with a deeply ingrained vaping culture present significant challenges for local authorities.
As of early 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) and various international health bodies are addressing a troubling “new wave” of nicotine addiction among young people, driven predominantly by vaping. With over 100 million global users, including an estimated 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15, efforts are being refocused on tightening regulations to mitigate looming health risks associated with vaping products.
Vinayak M Prasad, Head of the WHO’s No Tobacco Unit, highlighted concerns over targeted marketing strategies aimed at youth, stating, “Flavours, slick packaging, and deceptive marketing are being used to make highly addictive and harmful products seem fashionable. The result is a cycle of addiction threatening to undo years of tobacco control progress.”
In a proactive measure, Palau became the first Pacific Island to completely ban electronic cigarettes in 2023, following President Surangel Whipps Jr’s enactment of a total prohibition on the importation, advertisement, sale, and usage of e-cigarettes. Similarly, by May 2025, Papua New Guinea enforced stringent restrictions with an outright ban on the sale, importation, and distribution of all vaping products, coupled with severe penalties for violations.
In the Cook Islands, while imitation tobacco products, including vapes, are prohibited, travelers over the age of 21 are allowed to bring in one vaping device and up to 30ml of e-liquid for personal use, which must be taken back upon departure. In Solomon Islands, the government announced plans in June 2025 to strengthen the Tobacco Act 2010 to include e-cigarettes and ban their promotion, recognizing the urgent need to address vaping concerns.
Fiji currently maintains a legal stance on vaping, yet faces increasing regulatory scrutiny under the Tobacco Control Decree framework, necessitating retailer registration and prohibiting sales in certain locations. Recent investigations by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) unveiled a notable rise in online advertisements for vape products, prompting reminders for the public about the necessity of official permits for importation.
FRCS cautioned that any non-compliance, such as importing vape products without the required permits or providing inaccurate declarations, could lead to serious legal ramifications, including product confiscation. The service urged individuals and businesses looking to import vaping products to consult with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to ensure they adhere to regulatory requirements.
With these developments, it is evident that the Pacific region is making strides to combat the rising tide of vaping and its associated health risks, particularly among youth, reflecting a growing commitment by local governments to safeguard public health.
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