Cambodia MoT warns: Businesses using vaping and shisha will have their operating licences revoked

Key Point

• The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism has issued a nationwide ban, prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes, vaping fluids, and hookah devices. 
• Tourist service agencies found to be in violation of this ban may have their operations suspended or licenses revoked. 
• Government employees and contract employees found to be in violation will face progressive penalties. 
• The Ministry of Education has been instructed to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes and hookahs in schools and surrounding areas. 
• The Ministry of Health has emphasized that e-cigarettes have high nicotine content and hookahs are highly toxic, posing serious health risks.

2Firsts, November 21, 2025 — According to Khmertimeskh, Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has issued a strict warning to all tourism service establishments, prohibiting the distribution, sale, storage, advertisement, production, or importation of e-cigarettes, vaping liquids, and shisha-related devices and chemicals. Offenders may face written warnings, suspension of business operations, or revocation of tourism licenses.

This directive follows the nationwide ban enacted under Sub-Decree No. 02 BB, issued by the Royal Government of Cambodia on October 21, and formally implemented by the Ministry of Tourism.

The order states that all civil servants, contracted officials, and tourism business operators are strictly prohibited from importing, distributing, selling, advertising, using, possessing, producing, or storing electronic smoking devices and substances used for vaping and shisha.

Ministry officials who violate the ban will first receive verbal warnings and confiscation of devices. Continued non-compliance may result in written warnings, mandatory commitment letters, cessation orders, and administrative penalties.

Tourism establishments found violating the directive will face written warnings, suspension, or revocation of their business licenses.

The Ministry also instructed provincial and municipal tourism offices, the National Institute of Tourism, vocational tourism schools, and tourism operators to strictly disseminate and enforce the order.

The crackdown comes amid rising concern over the widespread use of e-cigarettes and shisha among Cambodian youth. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized in his October 21 directive the need to protect young people’s health and uphold social order.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) has been instructed to prohibit the use of these devices in and around schools, teacher training institutions, dormitories, community learning centers, gyms, and sports facilities.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) recently reiterated the severe health risks linked to e-cigarettes, noting that they often contain high nicotine levels and may be used with marijuana and other drugs. Shisha smoke contains high levels of toxic substances that can cause lung disease, lung cancer, heart disease, impaired brain development, premature birth, infertility, stomach cancer, and bladder cancer.

Authorities emphasize that strict compliance is essential for safeguarding public health, preserving social order, and maintaining Cambodia’s global tourism reputation.

Image Source: Khmertimeskh