Cambodia Reinforces Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products

Government Strengthens Prohibition on Vaping and Heated Tobacco

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Cambodian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, has issued a stringent new directive to reinforce its nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and shisha. The directive, announced around October 21-24, 2025, aims to safeguard public health, maintain social order, and protect future generations from addiction. This move signals a renewed crackdown on these products, building upon initial prohibitions established in 2014 for e-cigarettes and shisha, and expanded to HTPs in March 2021.

Comprehensive Ban and Health Concerns

The reinforced ban explicitly prohibits the import, distribution, sale, advertisement, use, possession, production, and storage of all types and forms of electronic smoking devices, their associated chemicals, shisha, and heated tobacco products. Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the widespread use of these products among children and youth, stating that it has a 'significant impact on social order, public health, especially the health of students.' He also warned that 'the use of these products can be a gateway to the use of other illegal drugs.'

Health authorities have consistently cited numerous risks associated with these products, including:

• High levels of nicotine, leading to addiction
• Severe lung diseases, cancer, and heart disease
• Damage to brain development, particularly in young people
• Potential for premature birth and infertility
• Increased risk of stomach cancer and bladder cancer

The Ministry of Health has also noted that e-cigarettes are sometimes used with marijuana and other illicit drugs.

Enforcement and Rejection of Investment

To ensure strict compliance, various government ministries and institutions have been instructed to enforce the ban rigorously. The Ministry of Education has been specifically tasked with prohibiting these products in and around all educational institutions, dormitories, and sports facilities. Penalties for violators include verbal warnings and confiscation of materials for users, while those who distribute, sell, store, advertise, or import these products face written warnings, fines, and the suspension or revocation of their business licenses. Furthermore, government officers, police, and military personnel are explicitly prohibited from using or being involved with these products.

In a related development earlier in May 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet publicly rejected any investment in e-cigarette production within Cambodia, even if intended solely for export. He affirmed that Cambodia 'does not need this kind of investment' and that the absence of such an industry would not disadvantage the national economy.

Addressing a Growing Public Health Threat

The government's renewed focus on enforcing the ban comes amid concerns over a rapid increase in the use of e-cigarettes and shisha, particularly among young people, often facilitated by aggressive marketing on social media. This comprehensive approach underscores Cambodia's commitment to protecting its citizens from the health hazards and societal impacts associated with these products, setting an example for public health initiatives in the region.