According to New Zealand’s official report: The New Zealand government has amended the vape regulations, and some changes will take effect from December 17, 2024, including increasing fines for violations and restricting the location of vape specialty stores; and other changes such as restrictions on retail display of vape products and a ban on disposable vapes will take effect on June 17, 2025.
To reduce the opportunities for children and young people to come into contact with vape products, thereby better protecting them. These changes include restrictions on advertising and retail displays, increased penalties for selling vapes to minors, and a ban on the use of disposable vape devices.
There will be a 6-month buffer period for changes in the new regulations to give retailers time to prepare
New changes in regulations:
1. Location of vape specialty stores:
From December 17, 2024, any new professional vape retailer (SVR) store will not be able to open within 100 meters of an early childhood education center (ECE). This restriction only applies to new specialty stores. It does not apply to general retailers or existing specialty stores. The rule that vape shops must be more than 300 meters away from schools or gathering centers remains unchanged.
2. Increased penalties for violations:
A: For companies that sell vapes to minors, the fine has increased from $10,000 to $100,000, while for other cases, the fine has increased from $5,000 to $10,000.
B: For the infringement of selling products to minors, fines can be imposed without prosecution. For manufacturers, importers, distributors or retailers, the fine will increase from $500 to $2,000, and the fine will be $1,000 in other cases.
C: It is prohibited to publish vape or heated tobacco products. The fine for advertising remains: $200,000 for manufacturers, importers or distributors, and $70,000 for large retailers. However, in other cases, such as small retailers, the fine will increase from $15,000 to $50,000.
3. Ban on display of vape products and heated tobacco products:
From June 17, 2025, vape devices, products or packaging may no longer be displayed in general retail stores, and professional vape retailers may not display these products in a way that is visible from outside the business premises. This includes advertising and display in online stores and display in vending machines.
4. Ban on the sale of disposable vapes:
The ban on the distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vape devices will take effect on June 17, 2025. Non-reusable disposable vapes are prohibited. POD type vape devices can still be sold, and reusing refillable POD devices will not be covered by the ban.
5. Discounts and gifts:
From June 17, 2025, any promotion rules will be updated, and regulated products are not allowed to participate in activities in the form of discounts and gifts.
6. General retailers and other regulated product information requirements:
General retailers selling vapes, herbal and non-tobacco products must be registered with the Ministry of Health. In addition to providing the company name and company address, sellers of regulated products must also provide the trade name and address of their store.
Comments:
According to the above new regulations, most countries now refer to China’s vape regulations as a reference for implementation.
Currently, the pod products sold in New Zealand online stores are outdated. It is understood that there are no second- and third-level distributors in the New Zealand market, and companies can communicate directly with store owners, who purchase by themselves. Therefore, New Zealand is a market that is extremely suitable for in-depth ground promotion and long-term rooting.
Veehoo vapes closely monitors changes in the New Zealand vape market and regulatory adjustments. The changes in the new regulations will have a significant impact on the vape industry, requiring retailers to be fully prepared to meet the new regulatory requirements.
According to the new regulations, fines for companies that sell vapes to minors have increased significantly, which shows that the government has strict control over minors’ access to vapes. Veehoo vapes has always put compliance first and will actively cooperate with the new regulations to ensure that product sales meet regulatory standards.
Veehoo vapes will continue to pay attention to the development of the New Zealand market, actively adapt to regulatory changes, and continuously optimize product lines to meet consumer needs and market changes. During the implementation of the new regulations, Veehoo vape will continue to be committed to providing high-quality vape products and actively pay attention to the development pattern of the New Zealand vape market.
Tags: New Zealand vape regulations，New Zealand increases fines for vape violations，veehoo vape