The Nicaraguan Ministry of Health recently issued an official communiqué confirming that Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021 remains in effect, prohibiting the use and commercialization of vapes nationwide. The communiqué stipulates that individuals and legal entities are prohibited from manufacturing, importing, exporting, promoting, advertising, storing, distributing, and selling related devices, whether or not they contain nicotine.
Key Points at a Glance
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Issued: The Ministry of Health (MINSA) issued a communiqué on January 2, 2026, reaffirming the validity of Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021.
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Prohibited Items: Electronic nicotine delivery systems, vapes, vaporizers, and similar devices, with or without nicotine.
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Prohibited Actions: Manufacturing, exporting, importing, promoting, advertising, storing, distributing, commercializing, and using.
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Enforcement Consequences: Non-compliance will result in sanctions under applicable laws, including the General Health Law.
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Enforcement Requirements: Relevant authorities across government agencies must ensure implementation of the resolution.
Ministry of Health Confirms Continued Enforcement
2Firsts, January 4, 2026 – According to Nuevaya. The Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (El Ministerio de Salud, MINSA) issued an official communiqué on January 2, 2026, confirming that Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021 remains in effect. The resolution imposes an absolute ban on the use and commercialization of vapes.
Scope of the Prohibition
The communiqué states that individuals and legal entities nationwide are prohibited from manufacturing, importing, exporting, advertising, storing, and distributing related devices, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. The ban applies to all electronic nicotine delivery systems, vapes, vaporizers, and similar devices.
Public Health Rationale Cited by Authorities
Health authorities stated in the communiqué that these devices contain toxic substances, pose a serious risk to public health, and are associated with the development of cancer.
Legal Sanctions for Non-Compliance
The Ministry of Health emphasized that failure to comply with the regulation will result in corresponding legal sanctions under the General Health Law (Ley General de Salud).
Inter-Agency Enforcement Requirements
The communiqué requires relevant authorities across multiple government agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the resolution in order to protect the health and well-being of Nicaraguan families.
Background of Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021
The official announcement notes that Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021 was issued on June 28, 2021. The decree prohibits all natural and legal persons, whether public or private, from manufacturing, exporting, importing, promoting, advertising, storing, distributing, commercializing, and using electronic cigarettes throughout Nicaragua. Citing serious health risks and the potential for cancer due to nicotine and other toxic substances.
Call for Strict Compliance
The Ministry of Health reiterated the need for strict adherence to the decree. Warning that violations will lead to sanctions under relevant laws, and urged all government agencies to ensure effective implementation of the ban.
