VAPING is increasing in the Pacific, and governments are scrambling to respond as a black market expands around the habit, causing growing harm to public health.
Struggles persist in many regions with their complex legislative system and the ingrained culture of vaping that has taken root.
As of early 2026, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and international health authorities are urgently addressing a “new wave” of nicotine addiction driven by vaping, which is increasingly targeting young people.
With over 100 million people vaping worldwide, including an estimated 15 million adolescents aged 13–15, the focus in 2026 is on strengthening regulations to combat health risks.
“Young people are being targeted by design,” said Vinayak M Prasad, Head of the WHO’s No Tobacco Unit.
“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.”
Palau became the first Pacific Island to outlaw electronic cigarettes in 2023, after President Surangel Whipps Jr signed a law for “a total ban on the import, advertising, sale, and use of e-cigarettes.
As of May 2025, the Papua New Guinea government has implemented a complete ban on the sale, importation, distribution, and use of all e-cigarettes and vaping products, with severe penalties for violators.
In the Cook Islands, the sale and importation of imitation tobacco products (including vapes) are banned. However, travellers over 21 are permitted to bring in one device and up to 30ml of e-liquid for personal use, which must be taken with them upon departure.
While specific regulations in Solomon Islands were previously underdeveloped, the government announced a crackdown on vaping in June 2025, with plans to strengthen the Tobacco Act 2010 to cover e-cigarettes and ban their promotion.
In Fiji, vaping remains legal but is subject to increasing regulation under the Tobacco Control Decree framework. Retailers must register to sell products, and sales are banned in certain places.
In a recent statement, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has advised the public that investigations are currently underway into the importation of vape products that entered the country without the required permits.
FRCS has observed a significant increase in online advertisements promoting the sale of vape products.
“The public is reminded that the importation of vape products for commercial purposes requires an official permit issued by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS).
“Any vape products imported without the necessary permits will be confiscated by FRCS.”
In a recent case, FRCS detected a consignment that was not only imported without a valid permit but also declared an incorrect quantity compared to what was imported.
“Any attempt to smuggle vape products or provide false or misleading information constitutes a serious offence and will result in forfeiture and further regulatory action,” the statement noted.
“FRCS strongly advises all individuals and businesses intending to import vape products to consult with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to ensure full compliance with the relevant importation requirements.”