The New Zealand government introduced new vaping regulations beginning in December 2023 and rolling out throughout 2024. While some feared there would be a vape ban in NZ, this is not true. The changes to New Zealand vaping laws affect vaping devices and juices, so it’s important you’re informed and aware of the latest vaping rules.
The highlights:
- Nicotine strength limits
- Restriction on e-liquid flavour names
- Devices requiring child safety lock mechanism and removable battery (originally scheduled for March 21st 2024, this was pushed back to October 1st 2024)
Are Disposable Vapes Getting Banned in NZ?
No, disposable vapes are not banned in New Zealand. However, single-use/disposable vaping devices need to meet certain requirements that are in line with the regulations defined by the New Zealand government.
Overview of Recent Legislative Changes to Vaping
New Zealand introduced significant changes to its vaping laws, tightening regulations on both manufacturers and retailers. Key amendments included a ban on new vape stores within 300 metres of schools and marae from September 21, 2023, and mandatory child safety locks and removable batteries for vape products from March 2024 (ammended to October 2024). The regulations also limit nicotine levels in disposable vapes and e-liquid and enforce stricter rules on flavour descriptions. These reforms aim to reduce youth access and curb rising youth vaping rates.
For the average vaper, the new regulations mean they’ll need to familiarise themselves with new flavour naming conventions (example: Bright Tobacco is now Sweet Tobacco), decrease their nicotine intake if they’re used to a nicotine strength higher than 28.5mg/mL, and adjust to changes to how they use their device, with the new child safety lock. The shift underscores New Zealand's commitment to balancing access for smokers transitioning to vaping with social responsibility to ensure people who have never smoked, or vaped before, don’t start now.
Disposable Vapes
From the 21st of December, 2023, all single-use/disposable devices need to incorporate the following features:
- Child safety mechanism
- Removable battery
- Concentration of nicotine must not exceed 20 mg/mL
E-Liquid
From the 21st of March, 2024, all e-liquid flavour names/descriptions must:
- Limit name/description to 1 or 2 flavour names found in this list, provided by the Ministry of Health
- Concentration of nicotine must not exceed 28.5 mg/mL
All Vapes
From the 1st of October, 2024, all reusable/pre-filled pod devices need to incorporate the following features:
- Child safety lock mechanism (2 simultaneous or 5 sequential actions before turning off, and automatically turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity)
- Removable battery
What’s a child safety mechanism?
The government has defined a child safety mechanism in relation to a vaping device as a mechanism or combination of mechanisms that—
- Requires at least 2 simultaneous or 5 sequential operations before the vaping device is activated; and
- Automatically deactivates the device within a period of no more than 10 minutes after vaping has stopped
In short, this means devices will feature a button that you press 5 times to unlock your device. They will also shut off after 10 minutes.
What’s Staying The Same
The taste! You’ll still be able to buy your favourite e-liquid flavours; they’ll just have updated names that comply with the new regulations. Don’t worry; you’ll easily recognise your go-to vape juice flavour! Check out our blog and find your flavour here.
Disposable Vapes
- 19 vape flavours
- Choice of 1200 or 3000 puffs
- Disposables vapes from $9.99
- Recyclable via VapeCycle
- No refilling needed
We've upgraded and updated alt. Nu disposable vapes to be fully compliant with the latest vaping regulations.
Shop our range of fully compliant disposable vapes here!
Pod Vapes and Vape Pods
- 2mL of e-liquid per pod
- 31 vape pods flavours
- Available in two collections: alt. Classic and alt. Nu
- alt. Classic Pods flavours made in New Zealand
- Recyclable via VapeCycle
- Two pack of alt. vape pods for $19.99
- alt. Edition 2 Device and Pod Vape Starter Kits for $14.99
We've updated and upgraded our vape pods and devices to be fully compliant with the latest vaping regulations.
Shop our range of fully compliant pod vapes, starter kits and vape pods here!
Where Can You Purchase Vapes?
Recent changes to New Zealand's vaping rules have introduced stricter regulations for selling vapes. The legal age to buy vapes remains at 18, but new licensing requirements limit the availability of vapes in certain areas, specifically near schools and marae. Online sales are still permitted.
Consumers can purchase vapes from specialist vape stores or select general retailers, either in physical outlets or online. A variety of vapes, including e-cigarettes, pod vapes and disposable vapes, remain available, but their flavour names are now standardised to comply with the law. Plus, all devices now need a child lock.
Where Can You Vape? Understanding the Restrictions
Under New Zealand vaping laws, vaping is prohibited in public indoor spaces, including restaurants, bars, clubs, casinos, indoor workplaces, and public transport. It is also banned in areas where smoking is restricted, such as near schools, playgrounds, and marae. It is also illegal to vape in a motor vehicle if it's carrying someone under the age of 18. However, vaping is allowed in private homes, designated outdoor areas, and in certain smoking-permitted sections of hospitality venues.
Violating these rules can result in penalties, such as fines. For instance, vaping in a car with someone under 18 years old could lead to an infringement fee of $50 - or a court can give you a fine of up to $100.
It’s essential to stay informed about NZ vape laws to avoid unintended violations and stay compliant with the vape ban in public spaces.
Vaping and Travel: What You Need to Know
When it comes to New Zealand vaping rules and public transportation, vaping is prohibited on buses, trains, and planes. Travellers should always check with local laws to confirm whether vaping is allowed in designated areas at stations or airports. When flying, ensure that vapes are packed correctly—vape devices and batteries should be stored in carry-on luggage, while e-liquids over 100ml must go in checked baggage.
Airlines may have their own specific policies, so it’s important to review their rules ahead of time to avoid any issues during your trip. International travellers should research the vaping laws of their destination country, as some nations have strict regulations or outright bans on vapes. To avoid confiscation or penalties, it’s best to pack accordingly and stay informed about NZ vape laws and vape ban rules abroad.
Keeping Updated With New Zealand’s Vaping Rules and Regulations
In this blog, we’ve covered the key updates to New Zealand’s vaping laws, including the September 2023 ban on new vape stores near schools and marae, restrictions on nicotine levels and standardised naming conventions for vape flavours by March 2024, and child lock requirements by October 2024.
It’s essential for vapers to stay compliant with these new rules. As regulations continue to evolve, keeping informed is also crucial. Stay updated by visiting our blog or following news from the Ministry of Health to ensure you are complying with the law and aware of any future changes to New Zealand’s vaping laws.
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