Background
Cambodia prohibits the circulation, distribution, and use of electronic cigarettes and shisha under government orders that are enforced through inter-ministerial coordination. The policy framework combines public health protection with administrative enforcement, particularly where products are marketed to students and young people.
School health governance in Cambodia involves cooperation among ministries, provincial and municipal administrations, and partner organizations when a public health issue affects educational settings. Social media distribution channels have created an enforcement challenge because restricted products can be marketed and sold outside conventional retail systems.
Scope of Application
The announced measures relate to enforcement of the government ban on electronic cigarettes, also referred to as vape products, and shisha in Cambodia. The discussion was conducted through the inter-ministerial committee on school health and involved representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, governors of the capital and provinces, and partner organizations.
Key Provisions or Decisions
On 10 April 2026, the inter-ministerial committee on school health held a meeting at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to introduce a six-point mechanism aimed at tightening implementation of government orders identified as 02 BB. According to the official summary, the mechanism is intended to strengthen enforcement of the prohibition on the circulation, distribution, and use of e-cigarettes and shisha in Cambodia.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Kim Sethany and included 72 participants from relevant ministries, institutions, subnational administrations, and partner organizations. The Ministry of Environment was represented by Undersecretary of State Oeun Banchanath.
The official statement said the committee adopted the six actions unanimously in response to concerns about active clandestine distribution of e-cigarettes through social media channels. The statement described the measures as part of the government’s effort to eliminate new addictive products and to protect public welfare, especially youth and students.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The decision signals continued regulatory enforcement against vape and shisha products in Cambodia, including products promoted or distributed through online and social media channels. Businesses, distributors, and platform-based sellers face heightened compliance risk if they engage in circulation, distribution, or sale of products covered by the ban.
For schools, local authorities, and relevant ministries, the six-point mechanism indicates a more coordinated enforcement approach across administrative levels. The emphasis on youth protection suggests that compliance monitoring may remain closely linked to education and public health governance.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment Facebook post, published 11 April 2026, referring to the 10 April 2026 inter-ministerial committee meeting on school health.
