New Zealand has some of the strictest vaping regulations in the world. These regulations were introduced in 2017 and have been updated several times since then. The latest updates to the regulations came into effect on 21 September 2023.
The regulations are designed to protect young people from the dangers of vaping and to promote a smoke-free New Zealand.
What are the key vaping regulations in New Zealand?
- The minimum age to purchase or use vaping products is 18.
- Vaping products cannot be sold or displayed within 100 meters of schools or early childhood centers.
- Vaping products cannot be advertised on television, radio, or in print media.
- Vaping products cannot be sold in vending machines or self-service checkouts.
- Vaping products cannot be flavored with anything other than tobacco or menthol.
- Nicotine levels in vaping products are limited to 20mg/mL.
- All vaping devices must have removable batteries and child-safety mechanisms.
- New specialist vape retailers (SVR) stores must be at least 300 meters away from schools and marae.
- Vape products and their packaging must only have generic flavour descriptions.
Why does New Zealand have strict vaping regulations?
The New Zealand government is concerned about the dangers of vaping, especially for young people. Vaping can be addictive and can lead to health problems such as nicotine poisoning and lung damage.
The government is also concerned about the marketing of vaping products to young people. Vaping products are often flavored with sweet and fruity flavors, which can make them appealing to young people. However, these flavors can also make it more difficult for young people to quit vaping.
What are the benefits of New Zealand’s vaping regulations?
New Zealand’s vaping regulations have helped to reduce the number of young people who are vaping. In 2019, 10.5% of New Zealand high school students reported vaping in the past month. However, by 2021, this number had fallen to 8.3%.
New Zealand’s vaping regulations have also helped to reduce the number of people who are smoking cigarettes. In 2019, 14.4% of New Zealand adults reported smoking cigarettes in the past month. However, by 2021, this number had fallen to 11.7%.
How to comply with New Zealand’s vaping regulations
If you are a retailer of vaping products, you must comply with the following regulations:
- You must check the ID of all customers who purchase vaping products to ensure that they are over the age of 18.
- You must not sell or display vaping products within 100 meters of schools or early childhood centers.
- You must not advertise vaping products on television, radio, or in print media.
- You must not sell vaping products in vending machines or self-service checkouts.
- You must only sell vaping products that are flavored with tobacco or menthol.
- You must only sell vaping products that have nicotine levels below 20mg/mL.
- You must only sell vaping devices that have removable batteries and child-safety mechanisms.
- Your vape products and their packaging must only have generic flavour descriptions.
If you are a manufacturer or importer of vaping products, you must comply with the following regulations:
- You must register all vaping products with the Ministry of Health.
- You must only manufacture or import vaping products that comply with New Zealand’s vaping regulations.
- You must provide the Ministry of Health with information about the vaping products that you manufacture or import, including their ingredients, nicotine levels, and flavorings.
How to report violations of New Zealand’s vaping regulations
If you see someone violating New Zealand’s vaping regulations, you can report it to the Ministry of Health. You can report violations online or by calling 0800 660 696.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s vaping regulations are designed to protect young people from the dangers of vaping and to promote a smoke-free New Zealand. Retailers, manufacturers, and importers of vaping products must comply with these regulations. If you see someone violating New Zealand’s vaping regulations, you can report it to the Ministry of Health.
Additional information
The following are some additional things to keep in mind about New Zealand’s vaping regulations:
- The regulations apply to all vaping products, including disposable vapes, pod vapes, pen vapes, and mod vapes.
- The regulations also apply to e-cigarettes and other devices that are used to deliver nicotine vapor.
- The regulations do not apply to herbal vaporizers or other devices that are used to deliver herbal vapor.
- The regulations are enforced by the Ministry of Health
