New Zealand finally has a new law regulating the vape industry in the country. Some of the things regulated in this new law include banning advertising and restricting flavored products.

The push and pull over the enactment of this law took up to 620 days. Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa had previously pledged to regulate the industry since November 2018.

After being debated in parliament, the bill was finally passed on August 5. Salesa said the difficult process was due to the complex discussions involved in this law. She stated that this new regulation is the most significant change to the Smokefree Act.

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill will come into force within three months, or in November. The industry now has time to get its house in order to comply with the rules implemented in the law.

Some of the things regulated in the law include:

Banning the sale of vaping products to those under 18 years old.

Banning advertising of products and encouraging people to buy them in stores.

Restricting the sale of flavored products to specialty stores only, including online retailers. Stores such as supermarkets and gas stations may only sell mint, menthol, and tobacco flavors.

Allowing specialty stores to continue offering loyalty point programs and discounts.

Banning vaping in cars when carrying children.

Allowing all retailers to display products in-store.

Providing a framework for establishing regulations on where people are allowed to vape inside or outside certain premises.

Introducing a safety system that allows the Ministry of Health to recall products, suspend them, and issue warnings.