Phnom Penh — Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Head of the Royal Government of Cambodia, has issued a comprehensive order prohibiting the import, distribution, sale, advertising, use, possession, production, and storage of all types of electronic smoking devices and shisha materials.
The government order, obtained by Fresh News on October 22, 2025, emphasizes that this decisive action aligns with the first phase of the Pentagon Strategy—the government’s commitment to developing high-quality, healthy human capital as a core national asset.
Protecting Youth and Public Health
The Royal Government noted the alarming proliferation and use of e-cigarettes and shisha among children and youth across Cambodia, posing a serious threat to social order and public health, particularly among students and educators.
The order highlights two critical concerns:
- Gateway to Drugs: Electronic devices, such as e-cigarettes and HTP (Heated Tobacco Products), can potentially be used to smoke other illegal drugs.
- Nicotine Addiction: They serve as a gateway to conventional cigarette smoking by creating nicotine dependency, which contributes to the rise of non-communicable diseases.
The Nationwide Ban: Key Provisions
To immediately address this issue, the government has mandated the following:
- Total Prohibition: A blanket ban is imposed on the import, distribution, sale, advertising, use, possession, production, and storage of all forms of electronic smoking devices and shisha, regardless of type, form, or means.
- Multi-Ministerial Enforcement: The Ministries of Interior, Economy and Finance, Commerce, Information, and Post and Telecommunications are tasked with taking immediate measures to prevent importation, distribution, and advertising.
- Educational Ban: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport must issue instructions to strictly prohibit the use of these devices in and around public and private educational institutions, training centers, gymnasiums, and sports facilities.
- Enforcement and Penalties: Ministries and sub-national administrations must increase regular inspections and impose strict measures:
- First Offense (Users): Verbal warning and immediate confiscation of the device.
- Second Offense (Users): Written warning and signing an agreement to cease usage.
- Distributors/Sellers: Written warning, confiscation, and suspension of commercial registration, license, or business permits issued by relevant authorities.
- Civil Servants/Police/Military: Administrative penalties will be imposed on any personnel found using or being involved with these prohibited products.
All ministries, institutions, and sub-national administrations are required to implement this order with the utmost rigor and effectiveness.