New Zealand introduces strict new regulations on e-cigarettes: the ban on disposable e-cigarettes will take effect in 6 months

New Zealand introduces strict new regulations on e-cigarettes: the ban on disposable e-cigarettes will take effect in 6 months

The New Zealand government has urgently passed a series of new tobacco control regulations, banning disposable e-cigarettes and adding multiple restrictions on e-cigarette sales. The Ministry of Health said the ban on disposable e-cigarettes and display restrictions will take effect in six months so that retailers can prepare for the new regulations.

According to Radio New Zealand on December 13, the New Zealand government has urgently passed a series of new tobacco control regulations.

The bill bans disposable e-cigarettes and adds other restrictions to e-cigarette sales. The maximum fine for retailers who sell e-cigarettes to people under 18 years old is increased from the current 10,000 New Zealand dollars (5,800 US dollars) to 100,000 New Zealand dollars (58,000 US dollars). Professional e-cigarette retail stores must be at least 100 meters away from early childhood services, and the distance from schools and gathering centers is limited to 300 meters.

Casey Costello, Deputy Minister of Health of New Zealand, said that the Smoke-Free Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act (No. 2) aims to prevent teenagers from smoking e-cigarettes and introduces some practical and strict regulatory systems.

The new bill includes four major changes: banning the production, sale, supply and distribution of disposable e-cigarettes; increasing fines for illegal sales of regulated products to minors; imposing restrictions on the retail display of e-cigarette products; and adding further distance restrictions for professional e-cigarette retail stores.

Costillo added that manufacturers, importers or large retailers who violate the ban will be fined up to NZ$400,000 (US$230,000), while other individuals will be fined up to NZ$50,000 (US$30,000). The new visibility restrictions require retailers specializing in e-cigarettes not to display e-cigarette products and packaging outside the store. Ordinary e-cigarette retailers such as supermarkets, gas stations and convenience stores will "follow the same regulations that currently apply to other regulated products such as cigarettes."

She said the disposable e-cigarette ban and display restrictions will take effect in six months to give retailers time to prepare for the new regulations.

"This period will also be used to recruit and train more anti-smoking law enforcement officers so that the new regulations and stricter penalties can be more effectively enforced."