Vaping has become a growing concern in the Pacific region, prompting governments to take urgent action as a burgeoning black market expands, raising significant public health risks. Struggles continue in various territories as legislative frameworks grapple with the entrenched culture surrounding vaping.
By early 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) and international health authorities are tackling a “new wave” of nicotine addiction, particularly impacting the youth. The phenomenon is alarming, with over 100 million individuals partaking in vaping globally, including about 15 million adolescents aged between 13 and 15. This pressing issue has led to heightened calls for regulatory measures to mitigate health risks.
Vinayak M Prasad, Head of the WHO’s No Tobacco Unit, emphasized the targeted marketing strategies aimed at young people. He noted, “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 response to this public health crisis, several Pacific Islands have enacted strict regulations. Palau took a significant step in 2023, becoming the first Pacific Island to entirely outlaw electronic cigarettes when President Surangel Whipps Jr signed a law prohibiting the import, advertising, sale, and use of e-cigarettes.
Further action came from Papua New Guinea, which instituted a comprehensive ban on May 2025, prohibiting the sale, importation, distribution, and use of all vaping products, imposing severe penalties on those who violate these regulations. The Cook Islands also banned the sale and importation of imitation tobacco products, including vapes, although travelers over 21 can bring in one device and up to 30ml of e-liquid for personal use, which must be removed upon departure.
While the Solomon Islands had less stringent regulations in the past, a recent announcement in June 2025 indicated a crackdown on vaping. The government plans to amend the Tobacco Act of 2010 to address e-cigarettes and prohibit their promotion.
In Fiji, although vaping remains legal, it is increasingly regulated under the Tobacco Control Decree framework. Retailers are now required to register to sell vaping products, and sales are prohibited in certain areas. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has reported a surge in online advertisements for vaping products and is conducting investigations into unauthorized importations.
FRCS reminded the public that importing vape products for commercial purposes requires an official permit from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS). In a notable incident, a recent consignment was seized due to lack of a valid permit and a discrepancy in the declared quantity. The agency warned that smuggling or providing false information could lead to severe penalties, including forfeiture and regulatory action.
Authorities are urging individuals and businesses looking to import vape products to consult with MOHMS to ensure compliance with importation requirements. This collaborative effort illustrates a proactive approach in addressing the rising challenges posed by vaping in the Pacific, fostering a commitment to protect public health, especially among the youth.