Vape Shop NZ Rules: Don’t Blow Smoke Up Our Ashes

So, you’re thinking about opening a vape shop in New Zealand? That’s great! But before you do, it’s important to know the rules and regulations surrounding the sale of vaping products in the country.

Firstly, it’s important to note that there are fees associated with becoming a specialist vape retailer in New Zealand. According to the Ministry of Health, the fee for becoming a specialist vape retailer is $1600 plus GST, and there is also a separate fee of $600 plus GST for each approved vaping premise or approved internet site that is assessed as part of your application.

In addition to fees, there are also certain rules that retailers of notifiable products (including vaping products) must follow in New Zealand. These rules relate to advertising, who you can sell to, and aspects of your retail premises. For example, general retailers (non-transitional specialist vape retailers/specialist vape retailers) can no longer sell vaping or smokeless tobacco products that contain flavours other than tobacco, mint, and menthol.

The Basics of Vaping in NZ

So, you’re interested in vaping in New Zealand but you’re not quite sure what the rules are? Well, you’ve come to the right place, my friend! Let’s break it down for you.

First things first, you need to be at least 18 years old to purchase vaping products in NZ. Sorry kiddos, but this is a grown-up game.

Next up, let’s talk about where you can and can’t vape. In general, vaping is not allowed in indoor public spaces, workplaces, or schools. However, some businesses may allow vaping on their premises, so it’s always best to ask first. And please, for the love of all things good, don’t vape in a car with children present. That’s just not cool.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you can and can’t vape. As of September 21st, 2023, all vaping devices sold in NZ must have removable batteries and child-safety mechanisms. Only generic vape flavors can be used (for example, “strawberry” might be allowed but “strawberry jelly donut” is not).

In addition, general retailers (non-Transitional Specialist Vape Retailers/Specialist Vape Retailers) can no longer sell vaping or smokeless tobacco products that contain flavors other than tobacco, mint, and menthol. This means no more bubblegum or cotton candy-flavored e-juice, sorry folks.

And finally, new specialist vape retailers cannot open within 300m of a school or marae. So, if you’re thinking of opening up a vape shop, make sure you’re not too close to the kiddos or the local community center.

There you have it, the basics of vaping in NZ. Remember, it’s always important to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and guidelines to ensure you’re vaping safely and responsibly.

Legal Age for Vaping

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So, you want to know the legal age for vaping in New Zealand? Well, my friend, you have come to the right place!

According to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, it is illegal to sell or supply vaping products to anyone under the age of 18. That’s right, you need to be 18 years old or over to legally purchase vaping products in New Zealand.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But wait, I’m 17 and I really want to vape!” Sorry, kiddo, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. You’ll have to wait until you turn 18 to legally vape.

And let me tell you, it’s not worth getting caught breaking the law. The fines for selling or supplying vaping products to minors can range from $2,000 to $10,000 for individuals and up to $50,000 for businesses. Ouch!

So, if you’re under 18 and thinking about vaping, just wait until you’re old enough. And if you’re over 18, make sure you have your ID handy when you go to purchase vaping products. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Vape Shop Rules

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So, you want to open a vape shop in NZ? Well, you better be prepared to follow some rules. Here are some of the most important ones:

No Selling to Minors

First and foremost, you cannot sell vaping products to anyone under the age of 18. This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people try to get away with it. Don’t be that guy. Always check ID, even if the customer looks old enough to be your grandparent.

No Flavors Besides Tobacco, Mint, and Menthol

As of May 2021, general retailers (non-Transitional Specialist Vape Retailers /Specialist Vape Retailers) are not allowed to sell vaping or smokeless tobacco products that contain flavors other than tobacco, mint, and menthol. This means you’ll have to say goodbye to your delicious bubblegum and cotton candy flavors. Sorry, not sorry.

No Advertising to the General Public

You cannot advertise vaping products to the general public. This includes billboards, TV commercials, and even social media ads. The only exception is if you’re advertising in a specialty publication that is only read by people in the vaping industry.

No Vaping Indoors

You cannot vape inside your vape shop. This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s the law. You can’t vape anywhere that smoking is prohibited, so if you can’t smoke inside, you can’t vape inside either.

No Selling Products with Color Additives

From May 2021, vaping products and smokeless tobacco products that contain color additives cannot be sold in NZ under s66 (3) of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act. So, if you want to sell vaping products, make sure they don’t contain any color additives.

No Selling Nicotine E-Liquid in Australia

If you’re planning on selling nicotine e-liquid in Australia, you’re out of luck. It’s illegal to sell nicotine e-liquid in Australia without a prescription. So, if you want to sell nicotine e-liquid, you’ll have to do it in NZ or find another country to do business in.

No Selling to Smokers

Wait, what? That’s right, you cannot sell vaping products to smokers. You can only sell vaping products to people who have already quit smoking. This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s the law. So, if someone comes into your shop and says they want to start vaping to quit smoking, you’ll have to turn them away.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks. These are just a few of the rules you’ll have to follow if you want to open a vape shop in NZ. It might seem like a lot to keep track of, but if you follow the rules, you’ll be just fine. Good luck, and happy vaping!

Vaping Etiquette

Congratulations on opening your own vape shop! As a responsible vape shop owner, it’s important to educate your customers about vaping etiquette. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Vaping Inside the Shop

While vaping is allowed inside your shop, it’s important to be mindful of your customers. Some people may not want to be around the vapor or may be sensitive to the smell. Make sure you have good ventilation and consider using air fresheners or diffusers to keep the air fresh.

Vaping in Public

When it comes to vaping in public, it’s important to follow the same rules as smoking. In New Zealand, vaping is banned in indoor public places, including bars and restaurants. It’s also important to be respectful of others and avoid vaping in crowded areas or around children.

Vaping in the Workplace

If you have employees, it’s important to have a clear policy on vaping in the workplace. In New Zealand, vaping inside the workplace is prohibited with limited exceptions. Make sure your employees are aware of the policy and follow it accordingly.

Selling to Minors

In New Zealand, it is illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under the age of 18. Make sure you check IDs and follow the law to avoid any legal issues.

By following these simple rules, you can create a welcoming and responsible vaping environment for your customers. Happy vaping!

Health and Safety Regulations

So, you’re thinking of opening up a vape shop in New Zealand? Well, you better make sure you’re up to date on the health and safety regulations!

First things first, you need to make sure that your shop is compliant with the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990. This means that you can only sell vaping products that have been approved by the Ministry of Health. You also need to make sure that your shop is smoke-free, which includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

When it comes to the packaging and labeling of your products, you need to make sure that they are child-resistant and tamper-evident. This is to prevent children from accidentally ingesting the nicotine-containing liquid. You also need to make sure that the labeling is accurate and includes the nicotine content of the product.

Your shop also needs to have proper ventilation to ensure that the air quality is not compromised. This is especially important if you allow customers to try out your products in-store. You don’t want your customers to be inhaling second-hand vapor!

Lastly, you need to make sure that your employees are trained on the proper use and handling of the products. This includes knowing how to properly charge and store the batteries, as well as how to handle any spills or leaks.

Overall, the health and safety regulations for vape shops in New Zealand are pretty straightforward. Just make sure you’re following the rules and you’ll be good to go!

Vape Flavours and Ingredients

When it comes to vaping, there are a lot of different flavors and ingredients to choose from. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Nicotine Levels

Nicotine is an addictive substance that can have negative health effects. In New Zealand, the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and e-liquid is illegal. However, you can import up to three months’ supply of nicotine e-liquid for personal use. The maximum level of nicotine allowed in e-liquid is 100mg/mL.

Flavour Restrictions

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act regulates the sale and supply of vaping products in New Zealand. According to the act, the sale of vaping products is illegal to people under 18 years of age. The act also restricts the sale of vaping products with certain flavors. These include:

• Flavors that resemble the taste of tobacco products
• Flavors that resemble the taste of confectionery or soft drink
• Flavors that resemble the taste of energy drinks or alcoholic beverages

The regulations are in place to prevent young people from being attracted to vaping. So, if you’re looking for a fruity or dessert flavor, you’re in luck!

Overall, it’s important to remember that vaping is not risk-free. If you’re considering vaping, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision.

E-Cigarette Devices

When it comes to e-cigarette devices, there are a few things you need to keep in mind as a vape shop owner in New Zealand. Let’s take a look at some of the key considerations.

Device Types

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the different types of e-cigarette devices that are available. There are generally two categories: closed systems and open systems.

Closed systems, also known as “cigalikes,” are pre-filled with e-liquid and are designed to be disposed of after use. Open systems, on the other hand, allow users to refill the device with their own e-liquid.

It’s important to note that not all devices are created equal. Some are more advanced and offer more features than others. As a vape shop owner, it’s important to understand the different devices you’re selling and be able to explain the differences to your customers.

Battery Safety

Another important consideration when it comes to e-cigarette devices is battery safety. While e-cigarettes are generally considered to be safer than traditional cigarettes, there are still risks associated with using them.

One of the biggest risks is battery explosions. This can occur when the battery is damaged or improperly used. As a vape shop owner, it’s important to educate your customers on proper battery safety and recommend devices that have built-in safety features.

In addition to battery safety, it’s also important to ensure that your customers are using the correct charger for their device. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of an explosion.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of e-cigarette devices and promoting battery safety are two important considerations for vape shop owners in New Zealand. By educating your customers and selling high-quality, safe devices, you can help ensure that everyone enjoys vaping in a responsible and enjoyable way.

Online Vape Shop Rules

So, you want to start an online vape shop in New Zealand? Well, you better make sure you know the rules before you start selling those e-cigarettes and vape juices. Here are some things you need to keep in mind:

Age Verification

First things first, you need to make sure you are only selling to people who are legally allowed to purchase vaping products. That means you need to have a robust age verification system in place. You don’t want to be selling to minors, and you definitely don’t want to get in trouble with the law.

Advertising Restrictions

When it comes to advertising your online vape shop, there are some restrictions you need to be aware of. You can’t advertise vaping products in places where young people are likely to see them, such as on social media or in public places. You also can’t make any health claims about your products unless you have scientific evidence to back them up.

Specialist Vape Retailer

If you want to be considered a specialist vape retailer, you need to meet certain criteria. According to the Ministry of Health NZ, you need to have at least 70% of your sales come from vaping products. If you meet this threshold, you can continue selling all flavors and products. If you don’t meet the threshold, you’ll be considered a general retailer and will only be able to sell a limited range of flavors, such as tobacco, menthol, and mint.

Nicotine Importation

If you plan on importing nicotine for your vape juices, you need to be aware of the rules around this. As of 2021, it is illegal to import nicotine for personal use, so you’ll need to have a valid prescription from a New Zealand doctor if you want to import nicotine legally. If you don’t have a prescription, you could face fines or even imprisonment.

Record-Keeping

Finally, you need to keep accurate records of all your sales and purchases. This is not only required by law, but it’s also good business practice. You never know when you might need to refer back to your records, so make sure you keep them up to date and organized.

Now that you know the rules for starting an online vape shop in New Zealand, you can get started on your new business venture. Just remember to stay compliant with the regulations and keep your customers happy. Happy vaping!

The Quirky Side of Vaping

So, you’re interested in opening a vape shop in NZ? Well, buckle up, because there are some quirky rules you need to know about.

First off, did you know that vape shops are not allowed to advertise? That’s right, no billboards, no TV commercials, no flyers, no nothing. You have to rely on word-of-mouth and foot traffic to get the word out.

But that’s not all. Vape shops also can’t have any windows that allow people to see inside. You have to keep your products hidden from the public eye. It’s like a speakeasy, but instead of illegal alcohol, you’re selling e-juice.

And if you think you can just open up shop anywhere, think again. Vape shops can’t be located within 100 meters of a school or early childhood center. So, if you were planning on setting up your shop next to a playground, you might want to reconsider.

But wait, there’s more! Vape shops also can’t sell to anyone under the age of 18. And if you’re caught selling to a minor, you could face a fine of up to $2,000. So, make sure you check IDs and train your employees to do the same.

Finally, if you want to sell nicotine-containing e-juice, you need to be registered with the Ministry of Health. And if you’re caught selling unregistered nicotine e-juice, you could face a fine of up to $10,000.

So, there you have it. The quirky side of running a vape shop in NZ. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, but if you follow the rules, you can run a successful business and help people quit smoking.