New Zealand Introduces New Tough Rules on E-Cigarettes:
The New Zealand government has urgently passed a series of new tobacco control regulations, banning single-use vapes and adding some restrictions to the sale of vapes. The Department of Health said the single-use vape ban and display restrictions would come into effect in six months to allow retailers to prepare for the new rules.
Radio New Zealand reported on December 13 that the New Zealand government has urgently passed a series of new tobacco control regulations.
The ban on disposable e-cigarettes takes effect in 6 months
The bill bans the use of single-use vapes and adds other restrictions to the sale of vapes, including display restrictions and a maximum fine of 100,000 yuan ($58,000) for retailers selling vapes to those under the age of 18, up from the current 10,000 yuan ($5,800). Professional vape retail outlets must be at least 100 meters from children’s services, and the distance between schools and party centers is limited to 300 meters.
Casey Costello, New Zealand’s Deputy Health Minister. The Smoke-free Environments and Controlled Products Amendment Act (No. 2) aims to prevent youth uptake of vapes and introduces many practical changes and stricter regulatory mechanisms.
The new bill mainly includes four changes: banning the production, sale, supply, and distribution of disposable vapes; Increasing fines for minors who illegally sell controlled goods; Restricting the retail display of vape brands; and Further limiting the distance of professional vape retail stores.
Manufacturers, buyers, or large retailers who violate the ban will be fined NZ $400,000 ($230,000), while other individuals will be fined NZ $50,000 ($30,000), Costillo added. The new visibility restrictions require retailers that specialize in vapes not to display vape brands and packaging outside their stores. General vape retailers such as supermarkets, gas stations, and convenience stores will be “subject to the same regulations as other controlled products such as tobacco.”
To give retailers time to prepare for the new regulations, she acknowledged that the single-use vape ban and display restrictions would take effect in six months.
- “This time will also be used to recruit and train more anti-smoking inspectors so that the new rules and harsher penalties can be enforced more vigorously.”
