News article
New vaping regulations have been released today that will operationalise parts of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990.
The Act delivers on the Government’s commitment to better support smokers to switch to products that are less harmful than smoking, while also protecting our tamariki, young people and non-smokers from the risks associated with vaping.
Release of the regulations follows a seven-week public consultation inviting feedback on proposals that covered vaping packaging, product safety, and the responsibilities of manufacturers and importers selling vaping products or smokeless tobacco products.
More than 2500 people had their say including vapers and smokers, health sector organisations, the general public, the vaping and tobacco industry, and retailers. Focus groups run by Hāpai te Hauora and Tala Pasifika resulted in 919 submissions from Māori and Pacific peoples.
A number of proposed regulations were refined as a result of the valuable feedback received. This includes having two authorised harm reduction messages for display in retail settings translated into te reo Māori and other languages commonly used by New Zealanders, supporting better accessibility of information.
The finalised regulations also include a requirement to display R18 notices at each point-of-sale for regulated vaping products.
Jane Chambers, Group Manager Population Health and Prevention, says: “The feedback received through our consultation has played a key role in shaping and refining the final vaping regulations, helping to ensure new requirements are workable for those impacted by them while introducing consistent health and safety standards and promoting accountability across the industry.
“The input of New Zealanders has also helped Aotearoa take a big step towards a healthier future. While not without its risks, vaping has the potential to help people quit smoking and contribute to New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal.”
The regulations will be phased in from 11 August 2021 along with other provisions within the Act. A key requirement taking effect tomorrow (11 August) relates to flavours. General retailers (non-Transitional Specialist Vape Retailers /Specialist Vape Retailers) can no longer sell vaping or smokeless tobacco products that contain flavours other than tobacco, mint and menthol. Transitional and approved Specialist Vape Retailers may continue to sell products of any flavour that have not been prohibited (no flavours have been prohibited at this stage).
Full details are available on the Ministry of Health website.