New Zealand’s Stricter Vaping Laws and Regulations

Penalties for Selling Vaping Products to Minors

New Zealand has been tightening its regulations on vaping to better control the sale and marketing of vaping products, particularly in relation to protecting minors. Here’s a summary of the latest measures and potential penalties for violations:

1. Fines and Penalties for Selling to Minors

• Immediate Penalties: Retailers found selling vaping products to individuals under the age of 18 could face immediate financial penalties. Individuals may be fined between $500 to $1,000, while businesses could be fined up to $2,000.
• Court-Imposed Fines: In cases escalated to the courts, more severe fines can be applied, reaching up to $100,000 for retailers.
• Enforcement: The government has stressed the importance of enforcing penalties for those who sell vaping products to minors, including the introduction of stronger compliance measures and regular reviews of licensing regimes.

2. New Restrictions and Storefront Regulations

• Storefront Displays: Tighter restrictions are being introduced on how vape retailers can display products in their stores, aimed at reducing the appeal of vaping to minors.
• Staffing Requirements: Additional requirements for store staff are being considered to ensure compliance with age restrictions and responsible retailing practices.
• Consultations: The government plans to conduct targeted consultations on these proposed restrictions to gather feedback and refine the regulations.

3. Packaging and Flavour Name Regulations

• Bans on Certain Imagery: Regulations include a ban on vaping product packaging featuring images of cartoons, toys, or other designs that could appeal to minors. The intent is to ensure vaping products are marketed responsibly.
• Generic Flavour Names: New rules limit flavour names to more generic descriptions, avoiding names that might entice younger people.

4. Child-Proof Vape Requirements

• Postponed Compliance: Some changes related to the child-proof nature of reusable vapes have been deferred until October 1 to allow time for adequate product options to become available in the market.

5. Government Oversight

• Licensing Reviews: The government plans to review the licensing and compliance systems for vaping retailers to ensure that penalties for violations are enforced effectively.
• Clear Consequences: With the increased restrictions and penalties, there is a push to establish clear consequences for retailers who do not comply with the regulations, particularly regarding sales to minors.

These measures reflect New Zealand’s effort to further control vaping product sales and marketing, with a focus on protecting young people and ensuring that retailers comply with the law. The combination of immediate penalties, tighter regulations on packaging, and stricter licensing aims to create a more responsible vaping industry within the country.