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2025-06-17 22:57:00
Disposable vape Ban Lands, But Will It Stick?
New regulations cracking down on vaping products are here, but will they curb the habit?
- Disposable vapes are now banned.
- advertising restrictions are tightening.
- Industry experts are skeptical about the ban’s effectiveness.
Starting Tuesday,disposable vape users will see their habit go up in smoke,as stringent new rules regarding vaping take effect.This ban targets the distribution, manufacture, sale, and supply of disposable vapes, aiming to curb their popularity, particularly among young people, according to Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, who announced the changes last year.
The changes are part of a broader effort. In December, fines for selling to minors and publishing prohibited advertisements were increased. New vape stores were forbidden from opening near early childhood education centers. Specialist vape stores had to be at least 300 meters from schools or marae.
What exactly is being banned?
The government is banning the distribution, manufacture, sale, and supply of disposable vapes.
What’s Included in the Ban?
The new regulations also bring restrictions on how vaping products are advertised. Specialist vape stores can no longer display products in a way that’s visible from outside, including in online stores and vending machines. Businesses face a $2000 fine for violating advertising rules.
The government says it would violate the new regulations if a shop advertises or posts about vaping products on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Google business listings. One online vape retailer stated on its website that they would no longer be able to show images of the products from June 17.
Furthermore, vaping specialist retailers can no longer offer promotional techniques like free vaping products, discounts, rewards, cash rebates, or gifts for purchases. Lotteries or games tied to vaping products are also prohibited.
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The new rules are the second set of changes following the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, with the initial alterations commencing in December.
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said that “New Zealand was too slow to effectively regulate vaping, and youth vaping rates are too high” when introducing the amendments.
The ban on disposable vapes was put off for six months to allow retailers to prepare for the changes.
Will the Ban Work?
Jonathan Devery, chairperson of the Vaping Industry Association of New zealand (VIANZ), supports the ban but has concerns. He stated that while VIANZ “supports the intent behind the policy – to reduce youth access and address the environmental impact of single-use products – the association is urging caution about the potential unintended consequences”.
University of Otago public health professor Janet Hoek, a leading researcher into vaping, suggests the ban’s impact will depend on enforcement and industry innovation.
Expert Opinion:
Janet Hoek believes the ban’s success hinges on effective enforcement and how the vaping industry adapts.
Could Users Switch to Refillable Devices?
“I would expect [the ban] to reduce youth vaping given young people are very price sensitive,” Hoek said. “Though,if the industry responds,as I think it is indeed likely to do,by introducing cheaper pod vapes,the impact will be much less limited than we might hope.”
Hoek also raised concerns about the potential for a black market to emerge, particularly if people who vape find it difficult to switch to other products.
Potential risk:
The ban could lead to a black market for disposable vapes if people struggle to find alternatives.
Devery also expressed concern about the potential for a black market, stating that “the Government needs to ensure that the regulations don’t inadvertently harm those most vulnerable”.
Enforcement Challenges and Beyond
A core element of the ban’s success will be effective enforcement. Implementing and policing the new regulations present a complex challenge.According to the Ministry of Health, enforcement will fall to local councils and the police. Penalties for non-compliance for businesses could range from fines to the revocation of their licenses, thus the successful roll-out rests upon the resources of these local authorities and a solid regulatory framework.
The black market poses another test for regulators. As Hoek and Devery both point out, the ban could inadvertently drive users towards unregulated products, thus undermining the law’s intent. If a black market were to develop, it would not only make it harder to control the illegal access to vapes, but it could also increase health risks to users, as the quality and safety of products sold in the black market would be questionable.
the government’s approach also considers the overall environment in which vaping products are sold.As well as the interior layout restrictions, the placement of specialist vape stores near schools and other areas frequented by youth remains a primary concern. These locations of vape stores would therefore continue to be reviewed, with the aim of restricting opportunities for easy access to vaping products, thus further reducing the chance of young people starting their vaping journey.
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