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When Australia introduced its new vaping laws, New Zealand made the bold decision to follow suit. The Ministry of Health’s goal was to support Aotearoa New Zealand in becoming smoke-free by 2025 while also curbing youth vaping rates.
So, what are the new vaping laws in New Zealand? Here’s what you need to know about vaping and vape products in NZ going forward.
Location Rules
After public consultation and regulatory proposal input, the Ministry of Health decided to implement rules about where specialist vape shops can and can’t open new stores. Soon, new stores will not be able to open within 300 metres of schools and marae. The aim is to make it much harder for youth to access vape products.
Most specialist vape shop owners will agree that this is a good thing, especially since 18% of new vapers have never smoked. When vaping is generally touted as a smoking cessation tool, we shouldn’t be seeing huge numbers of people taking up vaping with e-liquids containing nicotine.
Product and Packaging Changes
Seasoned vapers know what they like. In fact, most vape stores see the same customers returning time and time again for the same flavours. We don’t need to see packaging to know that we like the smoothness of creamy e-liquids or the zestiness of cola e-liquids.
However, the New Zealand government will now be making changes to the products vape shop owners sell and how they’re packaged in an attempt to curb youth vaping. This means vapers will only be able to purchase generic-flavoured vape products with bland descriptions. The hope is that the less desirable they sound, the less attractive they will be to young people.
Nicotine Strength Changes
Single-use, disposable vapes are popular amongst our vaping community. They are convenient for on-the-go vaping and require no frustrating charging or refilling. You can use them and then dispose of them responsibly; it’s as easy as that.
However, some changes are on their way for our single-use disposable vapes in NZ. Soon, the nicotine content will be lowered. The hope is that lower nicotine content will result in fewer young people being addicted to vaping.
Safety Features
As you browse the offerings of your local specialty vape store, you might notice a few changes in the vape products you’re able to buy. The government will be ordering all vape stores to only stock vaping products with child-safety mechanisms and removable batteries. They believe this change will result in better protection for our young people and improved safety.
What Won’t Change At Your Local Vape Store
The vaping industry is undergoing a range of significant changes, which may be shocking and daunting for both industry workers and the vaping community. However, that’s not to say your vaping experience has to change much from what it is now. Depending on which highly-regarded vape supplier you shop with, you might still be able to enjoy the following:
Great Service
Vaping laws in NZ might be changing, but great service isn’t. Whether you need help choosing a product or have a question about a new e-liquid or vape product, you’ll still be able to have your questions answered.
However, it can be worth reading online reviews about the best vape stores in NZ so you can be sure you’re purchasing from a business you can trust.
Broad Selection of Vape Products
The NZ government might be limiting the average vape store’s ability to offer every type of vape product available, but you can rest assured that there will still be an expansive range to choose from. Unsure what to buy? You can ask your local store employee for advice.
High-Quality Products
Whether you’re buying e-liquid for the first time or are curious about a new pod kit, you can enjoy high-quality products at most reputable vape stores in NZ. Most vape businesses only work with brands they trust to keep their customers satisfied.
Online Shopping Convenience
There will be changes to where new vape shops can establish themselves, but online shoppers don’t have to worry about that. You will still be able to shop for new vape products and e-liquids from the comfort of your own home. Reputable vape shops functioning as online retailers even go above and beyond and offer overnight shipping to main centres. Online shopping means you don’t have to worry about those pesky rising fuel prices or having to find a parking spot in a busy town or city.
New Vape Laws, Same Old Excellent Service
As challenging as new laws can be, you can rest assured that Vapourium will still provide the same top-notch service you know and love. If you have any questions about what these new laws will mean for you (and us), you can contact us for more information.