The New Zealand Government is committed to curbing youth vaping, and significant changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 are coming into effect on June 17th, 2025. These updates will impact how vaping products are advertised, displayed, and sold across the country. Here's a clear breakdown of everything adult vapers and consumers need to know about these upcoming changes.

Key Changes at a Glance:

• Disposable Vape Ban: A complete prohibition on disposable vaping devices.
• Stricter Display Rules: Limitations on how vaping products are shown in-store and online.
• Promotion Restrictions: Changes to how promotions, discounts, and rewards programmes can operate.
• Penalties for Selling to Minors: Reinforced penalties to prevent underage sales.

Are Disposable Vapes Banned in NZ from June 2025?

Yes, a ban on disposable vaping devices comes into full effect on June 17th, 2025.

This ban specifically targets vaping devices that:

• Cannot be refilled by the user with a vaping substance.
• Cannot be refilled by the user by replacing a changeable pod, cartridge, or similar container.
• Cannot be recharged by the user.

Important Note: Pod Vape devices are NOT included in this ban. These are devices where you refill them by swapping out a pre-filled pod or a refillable cartridge. If you're currently using disposables, now is the perfect time to explore the many benefits of transitioning to a pod vape system.

• Read our blog for help transitioning from disposables to pod vapes here.

Detailed Overview of NZ Vaping Regulation Updates (Effective June 17th, 2025):

Beyond the disposable vape ban, the Ministry of Health has introduced several new measures:

• In-store Displays:

  • General Retailers (e.g., dairies, supermarkets): Vaping devices, products, and packaging may no longer be openly displayed. This means products will typically be stored out of sight, such as under the counter or within closed-door cabinets.
  • Specialist Vape Retailers (SVRs) like VAPELAB: While SVRs can still display products within their stores, these items must not be visible from outside. You might notice changes to our store layouts, such as window film or new internal configurations, as we comply with these regulations to ensure products are only visible once inside.

• Online Presence:

  • Website Displays: Websites will no longer be permitted to display vaping products, including product images. As VAPELAB works to fully comply with these new rules, you can expect to see significant changes to our website's appearance and navigation over the coming months.

• Promotions, Discounts, and Giveaways:

  • Strict Restrictions: Free product giveaways, multi-buy discounts, and rewards programmes specifically related to vaping products will be banned.

VAPELAB Rewards Programme Update:

The latest vape laws also explicitly prohibit loyalty programmes linked to vaping products. Due to this regulation, our VAPELAB Rewards programme is now closed. We appreciate your understanding and loyalty.

Where Can You Legally Purchase Vapes in NZ?

New Zealand has implemented stricter rules regarding where vapes can be sold. While the legal purchasing age remains 18 years old, new licensing requirements restrict sales in specific locations, such as those near early childhood education centres, schools, and marae.

However, rest assured that online sales of compliant vaping products remain allowed. You can continue to purchase vapes from:

• Specialist Vape Stores (SVRs): Both in their physical locations (like VAPELAB) and through their online platforms.
• A limited number of general retailers: These are approved outlets that meet the new regulations.

VAPELAB remains your go-to source for compliant, high-quality vaping products, offering safe and legal purchasing options both online and at our physical stores.