WELLINGTON — The New Zealand government said on Wednesday (March 20) it will ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, increase fines on retailers that sell to those younger than 18 years-old and better regulate retailers.

The New Zealand government has received significant criticism for rolling back a world-first law banning tobacco sales for future generations. It has said it is committed to reducing smoking but is just taking a different approach, including further regulations around vaping.

“While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rapid rise in youth vaping has been a real concern for parents, teachers, and health professionals,” said Casey Costello, associate minister of health.

Under the new rules, fines for retailers selling e-cigarettes to those under the age of 18 will increase, there will be a review of the licensing of vaping retailers, and all disposable vapes will be banned.

“The coalition Government is committed to tackling youth vaping and to continue to drive down smoking rates to achieve the Smokefree goal of less than 5 per cent of the population smoking daily by 2025,” Ms Costello said. REUTERS