New Zealand announces a delay in the ban on disposable e-cigarettes until October, and e-cigarettes can still be sold without restrictions for the next six months

According to the press on March 29th, the New Zealand government has announced that the ban on disposable e-cigarettes will be delayed until October.
These delayed regulations include electronic cigarettes with detachable batteries and child safety mechanisms, which means disposable electronic cigarettes can still be sold without restrictions for the next six months.
Deputy Health Minister Casey Costello stated that the reason for the extension is to ensure that smokers can obtain disposable e-cigarettes and have time to ensure that regulations cannot be circumvented by manufacturers.
"Therefore, we hope to ensure that there are still enough reusable e-cigarettes available for adults to use. Other countries are also addressing this issue, so we hope to coordinate our efforts to ensure that the regulations are consistent with international standards."
The minister stated that the government had not received any consultation or lobbying from the industry before making the decision. However, the decision has now been made, "I will engage in dialogue with the e-cigarette industry and other groups to ensure that we develop appropriate regulations."
According to the New Zealand Health Survey, the daily smoking rate in the age group of 15 to 17 has increased from 8.3% in 2022 to 15.4% in 2023, with approximately 32000 adolescents. However, Costello mentioned that while the smoking rate among teenagers is increasing, e-cigarettes are also an important tool to prevent smoking among New Zealanders.
"Compared to smoking, using e-cigarettes is much safer, which is a key reason why 230000 people have quit smoking in the past three years."
The New Zealand government and Costello insist on their decision to postpone regulations and have stated that they will submit legislative amendments to a special committee to ensure that the public has a voice.