NZ Vape Laws
In New Zealand, vaping products, herbal smoking products, and smokeless tobacco are regulated under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990. The regulatory framework is administered by the Ministry of Health and sets out requirements for sale, product composition, labelling, packaging, and advertising. The purpose of these controls is to restrict youth access, manage product safety, and define what information retailers may provide to consumers.
Legal Age for Purchase
Vaping products, herbal smoking products, and smokeless tobacco may only be sold to persons aged 18 years or over. Retailers are required to verify age at the point of sale. Supplying these products to anyone under 18 is prohibited.
Product Safety and Standards
Vaping products sold in New Zealand must meet specific safety standards to ensure consumer protection. Key safety requirements include:
- Prohibited Ingredients: Certain harmful ingredients such as carcinogens, toxins, and substances like diacetyl are banned from vape liquids.
- Child-Resistant Packaging: All nicotine-containing vape liquids must be sold in child-resistant packaging.
- Labelling: Vape product labels must clearly display ingredients, nicotine levels, and health warnings to ensure consumers are well-informed.
Flavour Restrictions
Flavour availability is regulated based on the type of retail outlet. General retailers are limited to selling vaping products in tobacco, mint, and menthol flavours. Specialist vape retailers may supply a broader range of permitted flavours in accordance with regulations. These restrictions are intended to limit youth appeal while defining the scope of products that may be sold by different retailer types.
Advertising and Promotion
Advertising and promotion of vaping products, herbal smoking products, and smokeless tobacco are heavily restricted. Retailers and manufacturers are prohibited from advertising these products through most media channels, including broadcast, print, online promotion, sponsorships, and imagery. Information provided to consumers must be limited to identifying the product, its variant, quantity, and price, using written or spoken words only.
Public Use of Vaping
Rules around vaping in public places may vary depending on local council bylaws and private property policies. In many settings, vaping is treated in a similar manner to smoking. Individuals are required to comply with applicable restrictions in workplaces, hospitality venues, and other regulated environments.
Support for Smokers Transitioning to Vaping
The Ministry of Health provides public health information relating to smoking cessation and the regulation of vaping products in New Zealand. Any guidance about smoking cessation is issued through public health services and health professionals, rather than through retailers.
Vaping products are regulated separately from tobacco products and are subject to specific controls on sale, composition, and advertising. Individuals seeking to stop smoking are advised to consult qualified health professionals or approved cessation services for evidence-based support and guidance.
Retailers are not permitted to provide advice or claims relating to health outcomes, smoking cessation, or the use of vaping products as a treatment or pathway. Information provided at retail level is limited to identifying regulated products in accordance with the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990.
Herbal Smoking Products
Herbal smoking products are regulated separately from vaping products. These products do not contain tobacco or nicotine but are subject to controls on sale and advertising. Herbal smoking products involve combustion and inhalation and are regulated accordingly.
Smokeless Tobacco
Smokeless tobacco products are subject to strict controls in New Zealand, and many forms are prohibited from sale. These products are regulated due to known health risks associated with their use.
For further details on regulations and guidelines, visit the Ministry of Health’s Vaping, Herbal Smoking, and Smokeless Tobacco Regulations page.