New Zealand Announces Ban on Disposable Vapes and Increased Fines for Violations

On September 12, the New Zealand government announced the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2), which includes a complete ban on disposable vapes and significantly increases fines for selling vapes to minors. The bill also strengthens regulations on specialist vape retailers to prevent youth access to vaping products.

Four Key Changes to Prevent Youth Vaping

The bill introduces four main changes to prevent youth vaping:

A complete ban on disposable vapes
Significant increases in fines for sales to individuals under 18 years of age
Visibility restrictions on retailers, both outside specialist vape retailers and inside stores such as dairies and petrol stations
Proximity restrictions relating to early childhood education centers

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello stated, “Too many young people use disposable vapes – they’re cheap and easy to access. That’s why single use vape products will be banned outright. We are also moving to significantly increase the penalties for retailers who illegally sell vapes, cigarettes and other regulated products to young people.”

Increased Fines and Proximity Restrictions

The bill raises the maximum fine for selling vapes or other regulated products to individuals under 18 from NZ$10,000 (approximately US$6,100) to NZ$100,000 (US$61,000). Fines for individual offenses will increase from NZ$500 (US$310) to NZ$1,000 (US$615), while fines for business offenses will rise to NZ$2,000 (US$1,230).

Furthermore, new specialist vape retailers must ensure their locations are at least 100 meters away from early childhood education centers. This requirement supplements the existing regulation mandating a minimum distance of 300 meters from meeting places or schools.

Stronger Enforcement and Commitment to Smokefree 2025

Minister Costello emphasized that the tougher penalties will be supported by increased enforcement efforts. By December, an additional 16 dedicated smokefree enforcement officers will be in place to address the lack of enforcement in recent years.

The New Zealand government remains committed to achieving the Smokefree 2025 goal and preventing youth vaping. The bill aims to protect young people from the harms of vaping while continuing to support adult smokers in their quit attempts by maintaining the availability of vapes as a cessation tool.

Public Input and Next Steps

Minister Costello expressed hope that public submissions through the select committee will help establish a practical system that achieves both objectives of eliminating youth-favored vapes and ensuring the availability of effective cessation products to help people quit smoking and prevent relapse.

The next steps in the government’s smokefree plan include updating and strengthening regulations on tobacco, vapes, and other nicotine products, as well as updating the smokefree action plan.

Prime Minister’s Statement

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated on X, “We’re getting tough on youth vaping. Legislation has just been introduced to ban all disposable vaping products, and bring in harsher penalties for selling vapes to under 18s.”

We’re getting tough on youth vaping. Legislation has just been introduced to ban all disposable vaping products, and bring in harsher penalties for selling vapes to under 18s.
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) September 12, 2024

News source: New Bill to crack down on youth vaping

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.