Calls for Stricter E-Cigarette Regulations in New Zealand

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jan.05.2024

Calls for Stricter E-Cigarette Regulations in New Zealand

New Zealand Asthma and Respiratory Foundation CEO calls for stricter regulations on e-cigarette importation, referencing Australia's recent ban.

According to a report by New Zealand media outlet RNZ, Letitia Harding, the CEO of the New Zealand Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, expressed concerns regarding the current regulations on e-cigarettes, stating that they are not stringent enough. Harding called on the government to consider the latest ban imposed by Australia, which prohibits the importation of disposable e-cigarettes.

On January 1st, 2024, the nationwide ban on e-cigarettes came into effect in Australia. This ban includes the prohibition of importing disposable e-cigarettes, and in the future, cartridge-based non-therapeutic e-cigarettes will also be prohibited. Hardin strongly supports Australia's stringent regulations, but believes that the current measures can still be further intensified.

I hope to see the government taking this issue seriously and implementing practical actions by 2024," said Hardin. He believed that banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes was a commendable approach and added that reducing nicotine content would also be highly beneficial.

In addition, Harding also suggested conducting a comprehensive review of the prescription regulations to reduce their accessibility.

The latest health survey data released in December 2023 reveals a significant increase in the daily usage rate of e-cigarettes over the past five years. The rate has risen from 2.6% in the years 2017/18 to 9.7% in 2022/23. Notably, young adults in the age group of 18 to 24 have the highest usage rate, with a staggering 25.2% reporting daily use.

At the same time, there has been a significant increase in the daily e-cigarette usage rate among teenagers aged 15-17, rising from 8.3% in 2021/22 to 15.4% in 2022/23.

The new government has pledged to reform the laws governing e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and oral nicotine products, while also vowing to ban disposable e-cigarettes. They are even considering implementing a liquor license for the sale of e-cigarettes and increasing penalties for illegal sales to minors.

References:

[1] Asthma Foundation calls for vaping rules to be tightened

Also Read:

[1] Canadian Health Experts Urge Lifetime Tobacco Ban for Post-2008 Generation

[2] New Zealand Asthma Foundation Launches Campaign to Discourage Youth E-Cigarette Use

[3] Protest Letter Urges Closure of E-Cigarette Store in Otani

#Legislation #Disposable e-cigarettes #Regulation #Oceania #New Zealand #Legislation New Zealand #E-cigarette #E-cigarettes and Tobacco

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

STMA to Hold Hearing on License Leasing Case in Shenzhen

The State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) announced a public hearing will be held on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. in Bao’an District, Shenzhen, regarding Shenzhen Biaogan Zhizao Technology Co., Ltd. accused of leasing its tobacco retail license.

Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Imperial Brands Urges Retailers to Engage in Government Consultation on Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Imperial Brands is calling on UK retailers to take part in the Government’s consultation on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will shape a new licensing framework for nicotine product sales across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Department of Health and Social Care’s call for evidence closes on 3 December 2025. Imperial Brands stresses this is a key chance for retailers to influence policy, support fair competition, and help curb illicit sales.

Nov.04

Sweden on Track to Become Europe’s First Smoke-Free Nation as Snus and Nicotine Pouches Support Declining Smoking Rates

According to Gulf News, Sweden is nearing the World Health Organization’s smoke-free threshold, with daily smoking falling below 5%. Two decades of public health efforts and the growing use of lower-risk alternatives such as Snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches have contributed to this shift, alongside declines in tobacco-related deaths and lung cancer cases.

Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea Again Delays Tobacco Business Act Amendment on Synthetic Nicotine

South Korea’s amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would classify synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids as “tobacco” for regulatory and taxation purposes, has been delayed once again. Despite the government stressing its urgency due to youth access and risks of illicit drug mixing, both ruling and opposition parties at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting agreed that the bill requires further discussion.