Vaping Regulations in New Zealand

Changes to New Zealand's vaping regulations came into effect on 17 June 2025 including:

• Disposable/single use vaping devices can no longer be sold, supplied, or distributed.
• Vaping products cannot be visibly displayed online or from outside retail premises.
• Advertising and promotional activity for vaping products is restricted.
• Discounts, giveaways, loyalty programmes, and similar promotions for vaping products are prohibited.
• Vaping devices must meet updated safety requirements, including features such as child safety mechanisms and removable batteries where required by regulation.

For the latest information, customers should refer to official Ministry of Health / Smokefree guidance.

New Zealand law restricts the display of vaping products online.

Retailers may provide limited product information such as brand, flavour, nicotine strength, quantity, and price, but product imagery and promotional content are restricted.

New Zealand law restricts the display of vaping products online.

Retailers may provide limited product information such as brand, flavour, nicotine strength, quantity, and price, but product imagery and promotional content are restricted.

Yes, however, New Zealand law restricts the sale of some vaping flavours to Specialist Vape Retailers only (SVRs).

Product availability will vary depending on the retailer and applicable regulations.

Check here for your nearest store OR check store availability by choosing your preferred store under Delivery - Pick up options when shopping products online.

Under New Zealand law, vaping products may only be sold to people aged 18 years and over.

Age verification may be required for both in-store and online purchases. Orders containing vaping products will require age-verification upon delivery.

• Only use appropriate chargers.
• Avoid damaged batteries.
• Keep away from heat.
• Do not carry loose batteries with metal objects.

Most vaping devices use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Like the batteries found in phones and other electronic devices, their performance gradually declines over time. 

Battery lifespan can be affected by:

• Age of the device
• Charging habits
• Frequency of use
• Exposure to heat or physical damage

If battery performance has significantly deteriorated, the battery or device may need replacement.

Damaged lithium-ion batteries can present a fire risk.

Stop using the device immediately if the battery has been dented, punctured, swollen, or otherwise damaged.

Do not dispose of lithium-ion batteries in household rubbish. Follow local recycling and disposal guidance.

Before seeking support, check:

• The charging cable and power source are working correctly
• The charging port is clean and free of debris
• The battery is not damaged
• The device manufacturer's charging instructions are being followed

If the device still does not charge, discontinue use and seek assistance from the retailer or manufacturer.

• Check your airline’s policy on vaping devices before packing.
• Always have your vaping device in carry-on baggage, it should never be in checked luggage.
• Check your destination country’s laws on vaping. For example, vaping products are banned in Singapore and will be confiscated if found by Customs.

• If your prefilled pod tastes burnt, the e-liquid is running out and you need to swap the pod for a new replacement.
• If your refillable pod tastes burnt, you may have let the liquid level run down too far and the cotton wicking around the coil has become dry then burned. If you have filled it for the first time, you must wait a couple of minutes for the cotton wicking to become saturated - it will burn otherwise. If the pod has been used with no issues previously and  is over ¼ full, the device might be putting too much power through the coil or is simply worn out. Either way, a burnt refillable pod can’t be revived and will need replacing. Check the wattage of the device is suitable for the pod if that is an option to minimise burning.

Common causes include:

• Drawing too hard on the device
• A flooded coil or pod
• Worn seals or components
• Incorrect coil installation, misaligned coils

Storing your device upright, keeping it clean, and replacing worn parts can help minimise leaking.

Replacement frequency varies depending on usage and e-liquid type.

Coils and pods are consumable components and require regular replacement.

Signs that a replacement may be needed include:

• Burnt or unpleasant taste
• Reduced flavour quality
• Reduced vapour production
• Darkened cotton visible inside the coil (where applicable)

• Vaping is not risk-free.
• Vaping products are intended for adult smokers.
• Non-smokers should not start vaping.
• Long-term health effects are still being studied.

Nicotine salts use a pH-adjusting ingredient to allow higher nicotine strengths while maintaining a smoother inhale. They are commonly used in lower-powered pod devices.

Freebase nicotine is generally available in lower nicotine strengths and is most commonly used with tanks/mods that run at a higher power, but can also be used in most common pod devices when you are looking to lower your nicotine intake. Some users choose freebase liquids when reducing nicotine strength over time.

• Higher strengths are typically used by heavier smokers.
• Lower strengths are often used by lighter smokers or people reducing nicotine intake.

Pod devices are typically compact, simple to use, and require minimal maintenance. They are commonly used with nicotine salt e-liquids.

Mod devices generally offer adjustable power settings and greater customisation. They usually require more maintenance and user knowledge than pod systems.