In this article we’re going to explore New Zealand’s position on vaping, the laws around vaping, and the Act that protects our youth from nicotine exposure.
WHAT IS THE LEGAL VAPING AGE IN NEW ZEALAND?
For those under the age of 18, it’s against the law to buy cigarettes and vaping products in New Zealand. The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 (the Act) strikes a balance between ensuring vaping products are available to those who want to make the switch to a less harmful alternative1 and ensuring these products aren’t sold to those under the age of 18.HOW DOES VUSE COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS TO PROTECT NEW ZEALAND YOUTH?
Vuse products are specifically designed for adult smokers, and those who want to start their smoke free journey. At Vuse, we do several things to ensure those under the age of 18 don’t have access to our products. Let’s take a look at what we do to protect New Zealand youth;
We avoid making our products look appealing to youth – Our products do not have descriptors in the flavour names or images of fruits on the pack designs.
We communicate to an 18+ audience only - Our products are clearly labelled for use for 18+, and any communication directed to existing customers. Our website visitors can only make an order after they’ve verified their age using accepted identification documents such as a driver’s licence or passport.
We verify who you are - When you place an order online and provide your details, we will verify it against a variety of databases. We will also ask you to confirm that all the information you have provided is true, accurate, complete and not misleading (and that you will notify us immediately if any part of this information changes).
We require 18+ identification - As we are delivering an age-restricted product, our courier will require a signature and ID from an adult (18+) on delivery.
We verify your age - If you use any of our websites, or visit our vape specialty retail store, you will be asked for identification to confirm that you are 18 years or over and we may keep a record of that confirmation.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT VAPING LAWS IN NEW ZEALAND?
Amongst other things, the Act2 aims to:
- • reduce the exposure of people who do not themselves smoke to any detrimental effect on their health caused by smoking by others; and
- • prevent the normalisation of vaping; and
- • reduce the appeal of regulated products to children and young people; and
- • minimise harm from regulated products, in particular to children and young people; and
- • support smokers to switch to regulated products that are significantly less harmful than smoking; and
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• regulate the safety of regulated products
WHAT IMPACT DO THE CURRENT VAPING LAWS HAVE ON VUSE VAPE DEVICES?
New regulations that came into effect on 21 December 2023 require all vape devices to have a child-lock and removable battery. As part of the transition period, the Vuse ePod will remain available until 1 October 2024. The recent regulation changes announced have also meant that e Liquid flavour names and nicotine strengths have changed. Check out the full range here.
- 1. https://quitstrong.nz/switch-vaping/
- 2. Ministry of Health (2023, September 7) About the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act.
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