According to Islands Business on July 23, the Cook Islands Ministry of Health in Te Marae Ora has approved 37 of the 43 applications for tobacco sales. These successful applicants can start selling tobacco from August 1, 2024 under the new Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2024.
Health Minister Bob Williams said there are six applications pending approval and further information is required.
The bill stipulates that those who want to sell tobacco must apply for a tobacco import and distribution license. The legal age for the sale of tobacco products is raised from 18 to 21, and smoking is prohibited in all public places, except for a few unenclosed spaces that are not subject to the ban.
In addition, the bill also prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution and advertising of imitation tobacco products, including vapes, in the Cook Islands. From the date of the bill’s promulgation, people who have lived in the Cook Islands in the past six months are prohibited from importing imitation tobacco products.
The bill was passed by Parliament in May this year and was originally scheduled to take effect on July 1. But to give businesses more time to sell existing vape stocks, the implementation date has been extended.
“All approved applications will be issued a licence to sell tobacco from August 1, including businesses that import tobacco products and submit a tobacco test report.”
“This also means that residents who have lived in the Cook Islands in the past six months will not be allowed to import, sell or distribute imitation tobacco products, such as vapes.”
“People who have lived outside the Cook Islands in the past six months and continue to live outside the islands can only bring in one device and up to 30ml of e-liquid for personal use. They may not sell or distribute, only for their own use.”
Williams added that all businesses or vendors selling vapes, including vendors without a licence to sell tobacco products, must stop selling from August 1.
The policies of the bill include:
- Prohibit the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution and advertising of imitation tobacco products, such as vapes, in the Cook Islands;
- Prohibit the manufacture of tobacco products. Any violator will be fined NZ$100,000 or imprisoned for not more than three months;
- Importers, distributors and sellers of tobacco products must hold a valid license and must comply with all license conditions before distributing or selling products;
- The sale of tobacco products over the Internet is prohibited unless it is used for business-to-business sales between importers and distributors. Violators will be fined not more than NZ$10,000 or imprisoned for not more than three months, or in other cases a fine of not more than NZ$100,000 and an additional fine of NZ$10,000 for each day of violation;
- Sellers of tobacco products are not allowed to display products for sale. Violators will be fined not more than NZ$1,000 or face one month in prison, or in other cases a fine of not more than NZ$10,000 and an additional fine of NZ$1,000 for each day of violation;
- The legal age for the sale of tobacco is 21 years old;
- The use of tobacco products and imitation tobacco is prohibited in all public places, including bars, restaurants, workplaces, transportation and educational institutions, except for unenclosed spaces.
Veehoo vapes would like to express its concern about the new tobacco sales regulations in the Cook Islands and the strict control of vapes. The implementation of this regulation is aimed at protecting public health, curbing illegal trade, and regulating the order of the tobacco market, which is completely consistent with Veehoo’s consistent concept of compliance and consumer health.
The new bill in the Cook Islands clearly stipulates the requirements for the sale of tobacco products, including raising the legal sales age to 21 and prohibiting smoking in public places. More importantly, the bill prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution and advertising of imitation tobacco products, including vapes. This move will help ensure that the products sold meet safety standards and protect the rights and health of consumers.
As a company that adheres to the principles of integrity and compliance, Veehoo vapes will actively pay attention to the new tobacco sales regulations in the Cook Islands. From August 1, all companies selling vapes must stop selling, and qualified sellers must hold a valid license and comply with all license conditions. This will help ensure the legal compliance of products and maintain the order of the tobacco market and public health.
The Cook Islands policy also stipulates strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment for people and companies that violate regulations. Veehoo vape calls on all companies and individuals engaged in vape business to comply with regulations and jointly maintain a healthy tobacco market environment.
Through cooperation and compliance with regulations, we believe that we can promote the healthy development of the vape industry, ensure that consumers have access to safe and reliable products, and curb the spread of illegal trade. Veehoo vape will continue to cooperate with relevant local agencies to make positive contributions to the tobacco market and provide consumers with safer and more compliant vape products.
Tags: Cook Islands strictly controls vapes，New regulations for vape sales in the Cook Islands，veehoo vape