Nicaragua’s Health Ministry reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021, maintaining a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette sales

Key Points 

• Issuance: MINSA statement dated January 2, 2026 reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021

• Products covered: electronic nicotine delivery systems, e-cigarettes, vaporizers and similar devices, with or without nicotine

• Prohibited acts: manufacturing, export/import, promotion, advertising, storage, distribution, commercialization and use

• Enforcement: sanctions to be applied under the General Health Law for noncompliance

• Implementation: government institutions asked to guarantee strict enforcement of the resolution

2Firsts, January 4, 2026 – According to the Nuevaya, Nicaragua’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) issued an official statement on January 2, 2026 reaffirming the validity of Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021, which “absolutely prohibits” the use and commercialization of electronic nicotine delivery systems, known as “vapeadores” or e-cigarettes.

The statement says the measure prohibits individuals and legal entities from manufacturing, importing, exporting, promoting, advertising, storing and distributing these devices across the national territory, whether they contain nicotine or not. MINSA said these devices contain toxic substances that pose a serious public health risk and are linked to the development of cancer.

MINSA warned that failure to comply will lead to legal sanctions in accordance with the General Health Law (Ley General de Salud). The ministry also requested that the authorities of different government institutions ensure due compliance with the resolution to safeguard the integrity of Nicaraguan families.

The statement notes that on June 28, 2021, Resolution No. 334-2021 was issued, which “prohibits all natural and legal persons, public or private, from the manufacturing, export and import, promotion, advertising, storage, distribution, commercialization, and use” nationwide of electronic nicotine delivery systems, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or similar devices with or without nicotine, stating they cause serious harm to health and may lead to cancer due to nicotine and other toxic substances.

The statement concludes that MINSA reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021 and reminds the public of strict compliance, with corresponding sanctions applied in case of noncompliance, and calls on government institutions to guarantee enforcement. It is dated in Managua on January 2, 2026 and signed “MINISTERIO DE SALUD”.

Image source: Nuevaya