N ew Zealand has once again proven itself a champion of evidence through its latest pro-vaping policies … but can the same be said for Australia ? In a ‘ bold ’ and ‘ brave ’ move , Kiwi policymakers have unveiled a series of wide-reaching , pro-vaping regulations . The ‘ progressive ’ new laws have gained the support of harm reduction advocates around the world , who have praised them for accepting vaping as an effective quitting tool . But the question now is , will Australia follow suit , or will it continue to be guided by ‘ ideology ’ and ‘ politics ’? Colin Mendelsohn of the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association said : “ New Zealand ’ s new vaping laws are sensible , evidence-based and risk-proportionate . “ They are also a sad reminder how out-of-touch Australian vaping policy has become .” The UKVIA added : “ New Zealand ’ s new laws , while not perfect , are a hugely welcome development . “ Not only do they pave the way for many more smokers to access vaping products , but they also put Australia ’ s vaping policies to shame .” It stressed that the regulations mirror both the UK ’ s worldleading approach to harm reduction , as well as the UKVIA ’ s very own policy recommendations . Key points of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products
Amendment Bill include :
• Nicotine limits set at 20mg / ml for freebase nicotine and 50mg / ml for nicotine salt products
• Minimum age of sale of 18 years , no vaping in cars with children and a ban on cartoons or toys on packages and ;
• Containers should be no more than 120 ml and must be protected against breakage , leakage , spilling and have child-resistant closures .
Policymakers have also approved a series of messages that will inform smokers of the health benefits of making the switch . Supporters say this will help push New Zealand towards its ambitious Smoke Free 2025 goal , giving more people the confidence to move away from tobacco . The UKVIA said : “ We applaud New Zealand ’ s bold and brave approach to vaping , now enshrined into law . “ We can only encourage Australia and other countries with regressive , anti-harm reduction attitudes towards vaping to look again at the enormous role it can play in helping smokers give up combustible tobacco for good .”
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New Zealand ’ s new vaping laws are sensible , evidence-based and risk-proportionate .
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