Electronic Cigarettes in New Zealand: Regulatory Overview
Electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes or e-cigarettes, are legal in New Zealand and are regulated under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act 2020. The regulatory framework aims to support smokers in switching to a less harmful alternative while protecting non-smokers, especially young people, from uptake.
Key Regulations
Several key regulations govern the sale, supply, and use of vaping products in New Zealand:
- Age Restriction: It is illegal to sell vaping products to individuals under the age of 18. Retailers are required to verify age.
- Product Safety Standards: Regulations specify maximum nicotine concentrations. For general retailers, this is typically up to 28.5 mg/mL for freebase nicotine and 50 mg/mL for nicotine salts. Specialist Vape Retailers (SVRs) may be permitted to sell higher concentrations under specific conditions. Products must also feature child-resistant packaging and carry health warnings.
- Flavour Restrictions: General retailers such as supermarkets, convenience stores (dairies), and petrol stations are restricted to selling only tobacco, mint, and menthol flavoured vaping products. Approved Specialist Vape Retailers (SVRs) are permitted to sell a wider range of flavours.
- Advertising and Promotion: Strict rules limit the advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of vaping products to reduce appeal to young people and non-smokers.
- Vaping in Public Places: Vaping is prohibited in all legislated smokefree areas, which include workplaces, schools, early childhood education centres, and on public transport.
- Retailer Requirements: Businesses selling vaping products, particularly SVRs, must comply with specific notification, approval, or registration processes.
Purpose of Regulation
The New Zealand government’s approach to vaping regulation is designed to balance public health objectives. It acknowledges vaping as a significantly less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco and a potential tool for smoking cessation. Concurrently, regulations are in place to prevent the normalization of vaping, discourage uptake by non-smokers and young people, and ensure product safety.
Consumer Information
Consumers are advised to purchase vaping products from reputable retailers to ensure compliance with New Zealand’s safety standards. Product labels should clearly display nicotine strength and relevant health warnings. Official health channels in New Zealand provide information on vaping as a tool to aid in quitting smoking.
Regulatory Updates:
Vaping laws and guidelines are subject to updates. It is advisable to stay informed through official New Zealand governmental channels for the most current regulatory details.
