A New Law in Palau Prohibits Electronic Cigarettes for Commercial Purposes. Palau, a small island nation in the Pacific, has recently passed a new law that recognizes the health risks of electronic cigarettes and expands The Tobacco Control Act to include electronic cigarettes.

The law prohibits the advertisement, promotion, display, sale, distribution, importing, manufacturing, purchase, possession, and consumption of electronic cigarettes for commercial purposes. It also prohibits the sponsorship of electronic cigarettes and the manufacturing or distribution of products that likely will appeal to children.

Travelers to Palau should be aware of this new law and avoid bringing electronic cigarettes with them. Signage will be posted at all entry ports of the Republic to inform travelers of this law, and they will have the option to voluntarily surrender any electronic cigarettes in their possession without penalty.

woman smoking an e-cigarette blowing lots of smoke

Studies from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization, United States Food and Drug Administration, and Australian, United States, Korean, and Polish governments have described the various health risks of electronic cigarettes. These studies have found that electronic cigarettes often include hazardous chemicals detrimental to human health, with some of these chemicals being known to cause cancer. They also recognize the highly addictive nature of electronic cigarettes and describe the harmful chemicals emitted into the air by electronic cigarettes, potentially causing harmful effects to bystanders through second-hand emissions.

This law not only protects the health of Palauans but also contributes to the overall wellbeing and health of all Palauans, especially our youth. By prohibiting the advertisement, promotion, and display of electronic cigarette products at points of sale and the manufacturing or distribution of products that likely will appeal to children, this law aims to reduce the prevalence of electronic cigarettes among young people.

In conclusion, we hope that this information helps travelers to Palau avoid any potential troubles upon arrival. If you are planning to travel to Palau, please be aware of this new law and do not bring any electronic cigarettes with you. Thank you for reading and please share this information with anyone you know who may be planning to travel to Palau.