New Zealand Implements Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes Amid Youth Vaping Surge

The move aims to reduce smoking rates and prevent minors from accessing vaping products, with increased penalties for non-compliance.

New Zealand announces a total ban on disposable e-cigarettes to combat the surge in youth vaping.
The ban is part of broader efforts to discourage smoking among youth, including increased fines for retailers selling to minors.
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello emphasizes the role of reusable vapes as smoking cessation devices, while addressing the accessibility of disposable vapes to teenagers.
The new regulations include banning e-cigarette sales with appealing images or names to young people, and introducing stricter penalties for violations.
Critics argue the ban may drive people towards smoking or unregulated black market vaping products, despite the government's intent to reduce smoking rates.