Koror, Palau – President Whipps, Jr, signed RPPL No. 11-27 and distributed to the public on March 29, 2023. With this bill, Palau joins about thirty-seven (37) countries (E-Cigarette Ban & Regulation: Global Status as of February 2021 | GGTC, n.d.) around the world banning electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigs or vapes (Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigarettes), 2022). The memorandum states that Palau prohibits the importation, distribution, selling, and use of electronic cigarettes’ within the Republic of Palau.
The bill was introduced by Delegate Noah Kemesong of Kayangel (Reklai, 2022). This is one of many efforts to keep the citizens of Palau healthy. This effort shows that the current administration cares more about the people of Palau, than economic advantages that could be procured by selling electronic cigarettes in Palau. Hence the saying, “A Kot a Rechad er Belau” (The People of Palau comes first).
It is unclear what will happen to personal electronic cigarettes that visitors bring in to the country, especially if they cost a lot. Island Times reported in 2022 that visitors may have to surrender their e-cigarettes at the customs area upon arrival.
Source
Office of the President, Republic of Palau
Serial No. COS23-320
E-Cigarette Ban & Regulation: Global Status as of February 2021 | GGTC. (n.d.). Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control. https://ggtc.world/knowledge/who-fctc-article-53/e-cigarette-ban-regulation-global-status-as-of-february-2021
Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigarettes). (2022, April 8). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm#:~:text=E%2Dcigarettes%20are%20sometimes%20called,understand%20the%20risks%20of%20vaping.
Reklai, L., & Reklai, L. (2022, November 11). Bill to prohibit sale and use of ‘vapes’ proposed. Island Times. https://islandtimes.org/bill-to-prohibit-sale-and-use-of-vapes-proposed/