New Zealand Official Says Vaping Rules Outperform Australia’s, Backs “Licensing Plus Regulation” Approach to Tobacco Control

Key Points:

1.New Zealand's e-cigarette regulations have significantly decreased the daily smoking population, with smoking rates dropping from over 14% in 2019 to just 6.9% in 2023.

2.The contrast in smoking control policies between New Zealand and Australia is stark. New Zealand allows the legal sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine, but imposes strict limitations on retailers.

3.As part of a new policy, it is now prohibited to lure young people into e-cigarette stores. Beginning on June 17th, e-cigarette stores will not be allowed to use decorations that attract young people.

According to a report from The Telegraph on June 10th, New Zealand's Customs Minister and Associate Minister of Health, Casey Costello, attributed the significant reduction in daily smokers in the country to the regulatory measures on e-cigarette products. Unlike Australia, New Zealand allows the legal sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, but imposes strict restrictions on retailers.

Costello stated in an interview that their government is implementing a strategy of "permission rather than coercion." She noted that health officials regularly test e-cigarette products, prohibit the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, and restrict the variety of flavors available.

She emphasized, "If you do not smoke, do not use e-cigarettes; if you smoke, e-cigarettes may be helpful." Although e-cigarettes are not harmless, their harm is relatively minimal.

She also mentioned that regulated e-cigarette products are exempt from the heavy taxes imposed by the government on traditional cigarettes, a policy designed to intentionally encourage people to quit smoking. She pointed out that increasing tobacco taxes has been ineffective for long-time smokers, as some people would rather give up food or electricity to buy cigarettes. No matter how high the price goes, it only leads to more people living in poverty.

In response to the ongoing debate over police involvement in tobacco control, Costello stated, "This is a health issue." She confirmed that New Zealand has taken measures to prohibit retailers from attracting minors into stores. Starting from June 17th, e-cigarette stores will not be allowed to use decor that appeals to young people.

In addition, Costello criticized Australia for its failure in addressing the issue of illegal tobacco during an interview on a podcast program in New Zealand. He pointed out New Zealand's successful experiences and called for his own country to take pride in its achievements.

The smoking rates in New Zealand have significantly dropped from over 14% in 2019 to just 6.9% in 2023, while the proportion of daily smokers in Australia has decreased from 11% to 8.3%.

In response, Australian Federal Health Minister Mark Butler stated that Australia's legislation regarding smoking and e-cigarettes is "world-leading," emphasizing the importance of protecting young people from becoming addicted to e-cigarettes. He noted that illegal tobacco sales are undermining public health and fueling organized crime syndicates.

According to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 700,000 people in the country are using e-cigarettes. Although the government is aware that 40,000 people are purchasing them through pharmacies, the majority of users are still obtaining products through illegal channels.