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

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

The bill prohibits disposable e-cigarettes and adds other restrictions on e-cigarette sales. The maximum fine for retailers who sell e-cigarettes to people under the age of 18 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 retailers 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 Environment and Regulated Products Amendment Act (No. 2)” aims to prevent young people from smoking e-cigarettes and introduces some practical and strict regulatory systems.

The new bill mainly includes four major changes: prohibiting 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 retailers.

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 their stores. General e-cigarette retailers such as supermarkets, gas stations and convenience stores will “be subject to the same regulations that currently apply to other regulated products such as cigarettes.”