New Zealand to ban disposable e-cigarettes in a bid to prevent minors from taking up the habit

NEW DELHI: New Zealand announced on Wednesday that it will prohibit the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, or vapes, and impose heavier fines on those found selling these products to minors.

This decision follows the recent repeal of a law put in place by the previous government, aimed at phasing out tobacco by implementing a lifetime ban on young people buying cigarettes.

Associate Health Minister of New Zealand, Casey Costello, stated that e-cigarettes are an important tool for quitting smoking and the new regulations are designed to deter young individuals from picking up the habit.

Costello expressed concerns over the increasing popularity of vaping among youth, despite its role in reducing smoking rates.

The new rules will see retailers facing fines of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars for selling vapes to those under 18, with individuals being fined 1,000 New Zealand dollars. Additionally, restrictions will be put in place to prevent the sale of e-cigarettes featuring imagery or names that may attract young consumers.