New vaping laws in New Zealand will come into effect today.

Health Minister Andrew Little says the laws are intended to discourage young people from vaping while allowing smokers to continue using vaping to give up cigarettes.

'Today's changes mean the laws around vaping are now similar to those around tobacco smoking."

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act 2020, passed in August 2020 and comes into effect today.

It introduces a range of prohibitions and restrictions on vaping which will be phased in over a 15-month period through to February 2022.

'These changes will prevent vaping products from being marketed or sold to non-smokers, especially young people, while ensuring that they are available for smokers who want to switch to a less harmful alternative.

'Vaping is not without risks, but it is less harmful than cigarette smoking, which is why the legislation allows for the provision of information and advice for those wishing to switch from smoking to vaping,” says Little.

Some of the key initial changes from today are:

• the sale or supply of vaping products to under 18s is prohibited
• indoor vaping is prohibited at workplaces, restaurants and licensed premises
• vaping is prohibited at schools and early childhood centres (including outdoors)
• most advertising and sponsorship of vaping products is prohibited
• retailers cannot encourage the use of vaping products (with some exceptions).

Further information, including the timing of further changes, is available on the Ministry of Heath website.