New Zealand: Tightening of vaping regulations

New Zealand has passed legislation amending the provisions relating to smoke-free environments and vaping productsThe country is introducing a range of bans and restrictions on vaping that will be phased in over a 15-month period until February 2022.

This bill amends the Smoke-Free Environments Act 1990 to accommodate new nicotine products that need to be regulated. New Zealand Health Minister Andrew Little said the law aims to discourage young people from vaping while allowing smokers to use vaping as part of a quitting process. The first set of measures, which came into force on 11 November, bans the use of e-cigarettes in many public places (workplaces, including restaurants and casinos, on public transport, schools, early childhood education and care centres).

Advertising and sponsorship of vaping products will also be banned. This is aimed at stopping aggressive marketing of vaping products to young people. The latest data from Action for Smoking and Health New Zealand[1] on e-cigarette use among New Zealand adolescents aged 14-15 years old shows that the prevalence of regular use tripled between 2015 and 2019, from 4 to 12%. The heaviest users are Māori students (Māori were twice as likely to be current vapers as non-Māori)[2].

According to a recent study, the proportion of 14-15 year olds who have tried a vaping product at least once increased from 20% in 2014 to 38% in 2018.[3].

These new regulations are part of the government's objective of a Tobacco Free Generation by 2025. According to the New Zealand Ministry of Health, this goal can be achieved by protecting children from exposure to marketing and promotion of tobacco and vaping products, reducing the supply and demand for the products and providing the best possible support to quit smoking.

Keywords: New Zealand, vaping, youth