The New Zealand coalition government has recently announced a major adjustment to its vape policy: the withdrawal of the previous requirement that all vaping devices—including heated tobacco products (HNB)—must come with removable batteries. This new decision, which will take effect on September 1, aims to resolve a legal challenge initiated by Mason Corporation, the parent company of leading vape retailer Shosha.
Policy Focus: Battery Requirement Reversed, Disposable Vape Ban Remains
The core of this policy change lies in removing the mandate that vaping and heated tobacco devices sold in New Zealand must have removable batteries. Moving forward, such products will no longer be required to feature removable power sources, giving the industry greater flexibility in design and production.
However, it is important to note that this reversal does not affect the country’s ban on disposable vapes, which officially came into force on June 17. Together, these two policies illustrate New Zealand’s attempt to strike a balance—supporting industry development while safeguarding public health, particularly in protecting youth. For consumers and businesses following the regulatory landscape, understanding these nuances is crucial.
Background: Breaking the Stalemate, Ensuring Product Availability
According to Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, revoking the removable battery requirement is seen as the most effective way to resolve the current legal deadlock. The government does not expect this move to increase the number of people who smoke or vape. The regulation was initially proposed in June 2023 by the former Labour government to improve product safety. The coalition had already postponed its enforcement until October 2024 to allow time for the market to prepare compliant reusable devices that could continue to support smokers looking to quit.
This policy reversal holds significant implications for the global vape industry. For instance, Philip Morris International had previously withdrawn its IQOS heated tobacco products from the New Zealand market due to the battery rule, and even launched a new compliant version. The removal of this requirement will help stabilize market expectations and allow consumers to continue accessing a wider variety of compliant options. For global vape brands, understanding and adapting to constantly evolving regulations across different regions remains essential for market access and legal compliance.
Looking Ahead: Compliance Still the Global Trend
While New Zealand has adjusted its stance, the overall global trend is clear—compliance is becoming the cornerstone of the vape industry’s future. Governments worldwide are aiming to balance industry development, public health, and youth protection in their regulatory decisions. For SP2S, no matter how regulations shift, we will continue to monitor and comply with local laws and remain committed to offering innovative products within the framework of compliance.
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