October 23, 2025
PHNOM PENH – The government has once again issued measures to prohibit the import, advertising, sale and use of vapes and shishas.
According to an October 21 order by Prime Minister Hun Manet, the prohibition is aimed at developing high-quality and healthy human capital, which is essential for the Kingdom’s social and economic development.
The order warned of an uptick in the use heated tobacco products (HTPs) among children and youth in Cambodia, which has a significant impact on social order and public health, especially the health of students and educational staff.
Manet noted that the use of these products could be a gateway to other illicit drug use, as electronic devices such as e-cigarettes and HTP products can be used to smoke other drugs.
The order requires the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to take immediate measures to prevent the import, distribution, advertising, sale and storage of such items.
The health ministry was tasked with issuing issue guidelines to disseminate information about the health impacts and dangers of using these devices.
@The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport shall issue guidelines to educate, prevent, suppress and absolutely prohibit the use of electronic devices and chemical substances for vaping and shisha in and around the premises of public educational institutions, private educational institutions, teacher training institutions, dormitories, community learning centres, gyms, sports venues, sports training facilities and sports competition venues,” said the order.
All ministries and state institutions must prohibit civil servants, police officers and military personnel, as well as contract officers under their authority, from using such devices.
Government employees who use these products will receive a verbal warning and have their devices confiscated. In cases of repeat offenses, a written warning will be issued, and a contract to cease use will be signed.
If vendors are found to be distributing, selling, storing, advertising or promoting these products, they will receive a written warning, confiscation, and suspension of their commercial registration certificate, license, or business permit, regardless of the type of business or service.