New Zealand bans disposable e-cigarettes and flavoring names

“Too many young people are vaping, which is why we are taking measures to prevent this from happening.” » Disposable e-cigarettes will be banned in New Zealand from August, Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said on Tuesday (6 June) in the country, which plans to gradually achieve a near-total tobacco ban.

A disposable e-cigarette is one that does not have a removable or replaceable battery. It will also be prohibited to open an electronic cigarette shop near a school or “mara”The name was given to places where Maori congregate, he added.

The flavor names of e-liquids are just as catchy “Father’s Beard” or “Strawberry Jelly Donut” will be banned in favor of a generic name such as “the bay”.

Ms Verrall explained that the government intends to find the right balance between the need to prevent young people from smoking and allowing smokers to use them.

The need to preserve youth

Six months ago, New Zealand announced it would ban the sale of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 14, raising the smoking age every year until the entire population is covered.

The rate of adult smokers in this country is already relatively low, 8%. Still, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the new vaping restrictions were necessary for young people. “We heard from parents, teachers and principals who were concerned that lifelong bad habits are forming for many people at a young age.”said Mr. Hipkins.

The restrictions come a month after neighboring Australia announced similar measures on vaping, with the government accusing the tobacco industry of wanting to turn teenagers on. “Nicotine Addicted Generation”.

According to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s 2021 survey, almost one in five school-age teenagers in New Zealand drink at least once a day.