NZ Vaping Laws 2026: What’s Changed and What It Means for You
Updated September 2026. New Zealand’s vaping rules have changed several times since 2023. This guide covers what’s in force now, when each change started, and what it means when you buy vapes. It is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. For the official detail, see the Ministry of Health.
The short version
- Disposable vapes are banned (since 17 June 2025). Every vape sold must be rechargeable and refillable, either with e-liquid or with replaceable pods.
- No discounts, freebies or loyalty rewards on vaping products (since 17 June 2025).
- Display rules are tighter. General retailers must keep vapes out of sight, specialist vape stores can’t show products from outside, and online stores face stricter advertising and display rules.
- Higher fines for selling to under-18s (since 18 December 2024).
- Generic flavour names only, plus nicotine limits and child-safety mechanisms (phased in from 2023).
- Removable batteries are no longer required (since 1 September 2025).
Timeline of changes
| When | What changed |
|---|---|
| 2023 to 2024 (phased in) | Generic flavour descriptions only; child-safety mechanisms on devices; lower nicotine limits for single-use vapes; new specialist vape stores must be at least 300 metres from schools and marae. |
| 18 December 2024 | New specialist vape stores must be at least 100 metres from early childhood centres. Fines for selling to minors rose (up to $100,000 for a company). |
| 17 June 2025 | Disposable vape ban. Display restrictions in store and online. No discounts, free products, rewards, rebates, gifts, lotteries or games. |
| 1 September 2025 | Vaping devices no longer need a removable battery. |
Are disposable vapes banned in NZ?
Yes. Since 17 June 2025, a vape can’t be sold if it can’t be refilled by the user (with e-liquid or a replaceable pod) or can’t be recharged by the user. That’s why the “disposables” you used to buy have been replaced by rechargeable devices with pre-filled pods.
If you used disposables, the closest match is a pre-filled pod vape: buy the starter kit once, then replace just the pod. Popular options include IGET, Dragbar and Solo. Not sure which pod fits your device? See our IGET pod guide.
Why are there no vape discounts or rewards any more?
Since 17 June 2025, retailers can’t discount vaping products, give them away, or offer rewards, cash rebates, gifts, lotteries or games linked to buying them. Loyalty programmes for vaping products, including ours, have closed.
Why have flavour names changed?
Vaping products must only use generic flavour descriptions. That’s why you’ll see names like “Citrus Spice” or “Vanilla Spice” instead of brand-style names.
What about age limits?
Vaping products are R18+. Since 18 December 2024 the fines for selling to under-18s are much higher: up to $100,000 for a company, or an on-the-spot infringement fine of up to $2,000 for retailers. Expect to show photo ID in store and on delivery.
What this means when you shop with us
- Every pod vape we sell is rechargeable, with replaceable pods, or refillable.
- We check ID in store and on delivery: R18+ only.
- Our prices are our everyday prices. We can’t run vape discounts or reward points.
- You can still get same-day delivery (Monday to Friday) in Christchurch and Rolleston, or visit our Christchurch stores.
- See how we follow the rules on our compliance page.
FAQs ▾
Can I still buy vapes online in NZ?
Yes, from retailers selling compliant products, as long as you are 18 or over. Online stores must follow the advertising and display rules.
Is a pre-filled pod vape a disposable?
No. The device is rechargeable, and you replace the pod when it runs out, so it is allowed under the June 2025 rules.
Will the rules change again?
Possibly. We update this page when they do, and the Ministry of Health lists the latest changes.
Sources
- Ministry of Health: Recent changes to Smokefree laws
- Ministry of Health: Vaping and smoked tobacco regulations published (2023)
R18+. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.