New Zealand is implementing sweeping changes to its vaping regulations under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, effective 17 June 2025. These measures aim to tighten control over the sale, visibility, and promotion of vaping products in the interest of public health — especially protecting young people.
Here's what's changing:
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Ban on Disposable Vaping Devices
From 17th June, the sale, manufacture, supply, or distribution of disposable vapes will be banned. Retailers must cease all involvement with single-use vaping products.
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Retail and Display Restrictions
- General retailers: Vaping products must no longer be visible.
- Specialist Vape Retailers (SVRs): Products and packaging must not be visible from outside their store. Solutions may include partial walls, screens, or reorienting shelving units.
- No requirement to fully black out store windows, but visibility must be blocked.
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Online Advertising Limitations
Internet retailers are no longer permitted to display:
- Images of vaping products (including flavours or blurred visuals)
- Any promotional material
Only the following product information may be displayed, in Helvetica 16 pt or smaller:
- Brand name
- Variant
- Quantity or size
- Price (in black text only)
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No Promotions or Giveaways
Retailers are now prohibited from offering:
- Free vaping products
- Price discounts
- Loyalty rewards
- Gift incentives
- Lotteries or games
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Stricter Penalties Introduced
- $2,000 infringement fines apply to violations involving disposables, visibility rules, advertising, and underage sales.
- Enforcement officers may issue these fines without needing court proceedings.
