New Zealand announces it will legalise nicotine e-cigarettes as consumer products.
New Zealand’s goal of becoming smoke free by 2025 is a step closer to realisation with the Government's announcement (29 March 2017) of its intention to legalise the sale of nicotine e-cigarettes. “The new law should become a reality by mid 2018” said New Zealand’s Associate Health Minister, Nicky Wagner.
Regulatory frameworks are being developed to provide a clear pathway for vaping manufacturers and suppliers to support New Zealand’s smoke free target. Regulating the sale of e-cigarettes will entail restrictions such as sales being limited to over 18 years of age only, no vaping in non-smoking areas such as workplaces. Retailers will be allowed to display vaping devices and e-liquids for sale however, there will be restrictions on advertising via television, radio and billboards.
Fifteen percent of New Zealand’s population smoke traditional cigarettes on a daily basis and whilst the Government’s announcement is good news for NZ smokers and vapers, the Australian Government is still seemingly not open to legalising the sale of nicotine e-liquid on the ground. Users of e-cigarettes have to import their e-liquid nicotine. Read the full article on from New Zealand's Ministry of Health here.
In response to Australian TGA’s rejection of proposals to legalise the sale of e-liquid within Australia, Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm, an advocate of e-cigarettes, is quoted in local media warning that Australia is becoming a “hermit kingdom”. "This is yet another example of Australia being left behind on very basic issues of personal choice," Senator Leyonhjelm said.
Further reading:
SBS: Aust 'hermit kingdom' over e-cigarette ban
NZ Herald: E-cigarettes will be legalised: Government
SMH: E-cigarette nicotine ban condemned as 'flawed and unethical' by doctors, health experts