Trinidad and Tobago
LegalOnline Sales
Allowed
Offline Sales
Allowed
Legal Age
18+
Ban Scope
None
Allowed Product Types
Pod SystemDisposableRefillable
Purchase Channels
Convenience StoreSupermarketSpecialty StoreOnline
Required Certifications
TTBS certification
Complete Policy Details
Latest Developments
In October 2025, in the 2026 budget of Trinidad and Tobago (including the island of Tobago), the government will double (100% increase) the consumption tax on cigarettes and tobacco produced locally and in the Caribbean Community (Caricom). This move aims to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, and is expected to generate revenue of 1 billion Trinidad and Tobago dollars.
2. The government is monitoring the use of electronic cigarettes. Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh pointed out that as the younger generation is shifting from traditional tobacco to electronic cigarettes, the government will consider regulatory action on electronic cigarettes in the near future
Policy Trends
1. Electronic cigarettes are about to be included in the regulatory framework. The government has clearly stated that electronic cigarettes will be the next target of regulation, with the rising usage rate among the younger generation being the main driving force
Taxation
-Cigarette consumption tax: 100% increase (for products produced by local and Caribbean manufacturers)
-The import cigarette tax rate has been leveled with the domestic product tax rate, aligning the import and domestic tax policies
-Electronic cigarettes currently have no specific consumption tax (regulatory vacuum)
-Tariffs: Applicable to the Common External Tariff of the Caribbean Community, with a HS code tax rate of 15-20% for electronic cigarette devices
-The 2026 budget predicts an annual increase in tobacco tax revenue of 1 billion Trinidad and Tobago dollars
Sales Channel Restrictions
-Except for age restrictions, refined sales restrictions have not yet been implemented
-Electronic cigarette products can be legally sold (gray area)
-Vending machines are not specifically prohibited for electronic cigarettes
-Cross border sales must comply with the trade rules of the Caribbean Community, and formal channels for customs clearance may require a health permit
-The Minister of Planning stated that the government will take necessary actions in the future to regulate electronic cigarettes
Age Restrictions
18+
Flavour Restrictions
No explicit restrictions
Product Specifications
No explicit restrictions
Hardware Requirements
No explicit restrictions
Packaging Requirements
Ingredient identification: The packaging must indicate detailed information such as the composition and nicotine concentration of the electronic cigarette liquid.
Health Warning: The packaging must include a health warning, especially regarding the hazards of nicotine.
Advertising Restrictions
Traditional tobacco product advertising is restricted in media such as television and radio - electronic cigarette advertising is in a legal gray area with no specific restrictions
Policy Documents
-Trinidad and Tobago 2026 Budget Bill (October 2025): Includes provisions for doubling consumption tax
-Public Health Regulations (Public Health Control of Diseases)
-Common External Tariff (CET) of the Caribbean Community: Regional Uniform Tariff Framework for Electronic Cigarette Devices
-Customs Law (Chapter 78)
Competent Authorities
-Ministry of Health: Develop and implement tobacco and electronic cigarette control policies
-Ministry of Trade and Industry: Product Import Licensing and Trade Supervision
-Tax Bureau (IRB): Consumption Tax Collection, Import Control
-Customs and Consumption Tax Bureau: Electronic Cigarette Clearance, HS Classification
-Trinidad and Tobago Standards Authority: Product Quality Certification
Policy Details
In October 2025, in the 2026 budget of Trinidad and Tobago (including the island of Tobago), the government will double (100% increase) the consumption tax on cigarettes and tobacco produced locally and in the Caribbean Community (Caricom). This move aims to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, and is expected to generate revenue of 1 billion Trinidad and Tobago dollars.
2. The government is monitoring the use of electronic cigarettes. Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh pointed out that as the younger generation is shifting from traditional tobacco to electronic cigarettes, the government will consider regulatory action on electronic cigarettes in the near future
1. Electronic cigarettes are about to be included in the regulatory framework. The government has clearly stated that electronic cigarettes will be the next target of regulation, with the rising usage rate among the younger generation being the main driving force
Last Updated: 2026-10