NZ Vaping Compliance Guide 2025
Last updated: 16 December 2025
Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act
Understanding New Zealand’s 2025 Vaping Regulations
On 17 June 2025, New Zealand introduced significant changes to vaping regulations under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990. These changes were designed to reduce youth vaping and environmental waste while protecting adult access to therapeutic alternatives.
If you’re seeking clarity on what you can legally purchase and use in New Zealand, this compliance guide provides clear, up-to-date answers.
What Changed in June 2025?
Banned Products
The following products are no longer legal to import, sell, or supply in New Zealand:
- Single-use disposable nicotine vapes
- Non-rechargeable e-cigarettes
- Pre-filled cartridge systems that are not refillable
- Devices marketed primarily for recreational nicotine use
Still Legal Products
The following products remain fully legal and compliant:
- Dry herb vapourisers designed for plant material
- Medicinal cannabis vapourisers registered as medical devices with the Ministry of Health
- Refillable nicotine devices with removable tanks (18+ only)
- Desktop and portable vapourisers with replaceable parts
Why Medicinal Cannabis Vaporisers Remain Legal
Medicinal cannabis is regulated under New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, which allows doctors to prescribe verified cannabis products for therapeutic use.
Vapourisers registered as medical devices and designed specifically for medicinal cannabis dried flower are recognised as the safest delivery method because they:
- Heat rather than burn plant material, eliminating tar and combustion toxins
- Offer precise temperature control
- Use medical-grade materials to prevent leaching of heavy metals
- Are supported by clinical trials demonstrating effective cannabinoid delivery
The Third State specialises in medical-grade devices that meet all current New Zealand regulatory requirements.
Who Can Use a Medicinal Cannabis Vaporiser?
Prescribed Patients
If you hold a valid prescription under New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, you may legally possess and use the prescribed cannabis product.
You may also use a dry herb vapouriser to administer the medicine. The legal status of the device depends on whether it is notified as a medical device with the Ministry of Health or classified as a dry herb vapouriser under the Smokefree Environments Act.
Common qualifying conditions include:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety and sleep disorders
- Chemotherapy-related nausea
- Epilepsy and neurological conditions
- Palliative care support
Health-Conscious Adults
Adults without a prescription may legally purchase dry herb vaporisers designed for non-nicotine plant materials. These devices support:
- Harm reduction compared to smoking
- Wellness and therapeutic routines
- Responsible adult use of legal dried herbs
How to Identify a Compliant Vaporiser
Not all devices meet New Zealand’s regulatory standards. Before purchasing, check the following:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Sold by a NZ-registered retailer | Ensures compliance and consumer protections |
| Designed for medicinal cannabis or dried herb | Avoids nicotine-only bans |
| Refillable with replaceable parts | Distinguishes from disposables |
| Includes English user manual | Ministry of Health requirement |
| Minimum 2-year warranty | Indicates quality and safety |
Every vaporiser sold by The Third State meets these criteria.
The Third State’s Compliance Commitment
- Ministry of Health–registered devices
- Ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes
- Transparent sourcing from reputable manufacturers
- Minimum two-year warranty
- NZ-based customer support
- Educational resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy a vapouriser in New Zealand after the 2025 ban?
Yes. The ban applies only to disposable nicotine vapes. Dry herb vaporisers and refillable devices remain legal.
Are medicinal cannabis vapourisers legal without a prescription?
Medical device vaporisers – like the Storz & Bickel range, are legal to purchase. However, medicinal cannabis flower requires a valid prescription under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. The device is legal; the substance must be prescribed.
What makes a vaporiser “medical-grade”?
Medical-grade or ‘medical device’vapourisers meet strict manufacturing standards including:
- Medical-grade materials (made of only approved materials)
- Third-party safety testing and certification
- Compliance with TGA (Australia) or CE (Europe) medical device standards
Devices like the Mighty Medic + and Volcano Medic 2 are examples of certified medical vaporisers.
Can I import a vaporiser from overseas?
Importing devices for personal use is illegal as all devices now need to be notified to the Ministry of Health. Doing so could see;
- Customs delays or seizures if the device is not notifed or Customs believe it is a banned product
- Lack of warranty support in New Zealand
- Potential non-compliance with NZ electrical safety standards
We recommend purchasing from NZ-registered retailers to ensure full compliance and support.
How do I know if a device complies with NZ regulations?
Look for these trust signals:
- Business can provide Ministry of Health device notification
- Sold by a business with a physical NZ address
- Clear warranty terms (minimum 2 years recommended)
- Detailed product specifications including temperature range
- Transparent return and support policies
- Educational content about compliant use
What if I already own a disposable vape — is it illegal?
Possessing a disposable vape you purchased before June 2025 is not illegal. However, retailers can no longer sell them, and disposal should follow e-waste guidelines.
Are there age restrictions on purchasing vaporisers?
Yes. All vaporisers, including dry herb models, are restricted to adults 18 years and older under the Smokefree Environments Act.
Can I use my vapouriser in public spaces?
New Zealand’s smokefree laws apply to vaporising in:
- Schools and early childhood centres
- Healthcare facilities
- Public transport and vehicles with minors present
- Some public parks and beaches (check local bylaws)
Private property and designated areas remain permissible.
What should I do if I’m unsure about compliance?
Contact us directly at info@thethirdstate.co.nz. Our team monitors regulatory changes and can provide specific guidance for your situation.
Will the law change again in the future?
New Zealand’s vaping regulations continue to evolve. We recommend:
- Subscribing to our updates for legislative changes
- Purchasing from compliant retailers who monitor law developments
- Keeping documentation for any prescribed medicinal cannabis use
What Happens If I Purchase a Non-Compliant Device?
- You lose warranty and return rights
- Customs may seize non-compliant imports
- You risk purchasing unsafe or counterfeit devices
Always buy from verified New Zealand retailers to protect yourself and ensure compliance.
Resources & Further Reading
Official Government Resources
- Ministry of Health: Medicinal Cannabis Scheme
- Smokefree Environments Act 1990
- Vaping Regulations Summary (Health NZ)
The Third State Resources
- What’s Legal to Vape in NZ 2025 (Detailed Guide)
- Vaporising vs Smoking: What’s the Difference?
- Why Vaporising Cannabis Is Considered a Cleaner Alternative to Smoking
- Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Compliant, Stay Informed
New Zealand’s vaping landscape continues to evolve. The Third State is committed to keeping you informed about regulatory changes whilst providing access to high-quality, compliant devices.
Subscribe to our compliance updates to receive alerts about legislative developments, new guidance from the Ministry of Health, and product recommendations tailored to NZ regulations.
Browse Compliant Devices | Contact Our Team
Key Takeaways
- Disposable nicotine vapes are banned as of June 2025
- Dry herb vapourisers for medicinal cannabis remain fully legal
- Medical-grade devices comply with Ministry of Health standards
- The Third State specialises in compliant, high-quality vaporisers
- Adult use for therapeutic purposes is protected under current law
If you have questions about a specific device or your compliance situation, our team is here to help.
Ready to shop with confidence?
Browse Compliant Vaporisers | Contact Us for Guidance
About The Third State
Based in Canterbury, New Zealand, The Third State is the country’s trusted specialist in premium dry herb vapourisers and medical-grade devices. We partner exclusively with manufacturers who meet rigorous safety and quality standards, including Storz & Bickel, DaVinci and Pax — the world leaders in vaporisation technology.
Every device we stock:
- Complies with New Zealand vaping regulations
- Includes a minimum 2-year warranty
- Comes with full NZ-based support
- Is designed for therapeutic, health-conscious use
Contact Us:
Email: info@thethirdstate.co.nz
Phone: +64 22 614 7887
Address: 6/340 Paxton Road, Southbrook, Rangiora 7400, Canterbury, New Zealand
This compliance guide is provided for informational purposes and reflects our understanding of New Zealand law as of December 2025. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional. The Third State monitors regulatory changes and updates this resource regularly.
Last Updated: 16 December 2025
