Photo Source: Eduardo Lempo
The New Zealand government, led by Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, has introduced sweeping changes to vaping regulations, banning disposable vapes and tightening controls on the sale and display of vaping products.
The reforms, passed under urgency through the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2), have the main goal of reducing youth vaping and strengthening public health protections. These measures, enacted overnight, will take full effect in six months, providing businesses time to adjust.
Addressing a Growing Concern
Vaping has long been regarded as a double-edged sword in New Zealand. It became an effective tool for helping smokers quit, yet increasingly criticised for its rising popularity among youth.
The lack of comprehensive regulation until now has fuelled concerns from parents, educators, and health professionals about its accessibility and potential risks to young people.
The new regulations represent a major step forward in balancing the benefits of vaping for smokers with the need to protect vulnerable populations from harm, with a focus on achieving the government’s broader Smokefree 2025 goals.
Four Pillars of the Reform
The legislation introduces four significant changes, starting with a complete ban on disposable vapes. This prohibition aims not only to limit youth access but also to address the growing environmental impact of single-use vape products.
Penalties for selling vaping products to minors have been significantly increased to ensure compliance. Retailers who sell to those under 18 now face fines of up to $100,000, a dramatic increase from the previous $10,000 penalty. Larger entities, such as manufacturers and importers, could incur fines up to $400,000, while individuals could face penalties of $50,000.
Visibility restrictions have also been expanded. Specialist vape retailers are now prohibited from displaying vaping products in a manner visible from outside their stores. Similarly, general retailers like supermarkets and petrol stations will be subject to restrictions similar to those governing cigarette displays.
Finally, the proximity restrictions for specialist vape retailers have been extended. While a 300-metre distance from schools and marae already existed, the new law mandates a 100-metre buffer around early childhood services.
A Stronger Regulatory Framework
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello emphasised the importance of these reforms in addressing the unregulated growth of vaping in New Zealand.
“Vaping had helped people quit smoking, but it was not for children and had gone unregulated in New Zealand for too long.”
“The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping and puts in place practical changes and a much stronger regulatory regime,” Costello said.
Implementation and Enforcement
The government has allotted a six-month transition period for the new rules, allowing businesses to adapt to the changes. During this time, enforcement capabilities will also be bolstered through the recruitment and training of additional smokefree officers. This enhanced enforcement structure is seen as critical to ensuring the success of the reforms.
Mixed Reactions to the Changes
The reforms have been widely praised by parents, teachers, and health professionals, who view them as a necessary and balanced approach to safeguarding public health while maintaining vaping as a tool for smokers.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on small businesses, particularly specialist vape retailers, who may struggle to comply with the stricter rules. Questions have also emerged about the logistics of enforcement and whether the allocated transition period is sufficient for retailer preparedness.
Commitment to Smokefree Goals
The government’s latest measures highlight its commitment to achieving Smokefree 2025, a target aimed at reducing smoking prevalence and its associated harms. These reforms mark a critical step toward that vision, highlighting the need for both community support and strict compliance to ensure their success.