A group of anti-vape lobbyists have performed a nationwide sting, which they say has uncovered stores selling banned products despite new regulations. Updated vaping regulations took effect on October 1, requiring all vaping and heated tobacco devices to have removable batteries and a child safety mechanism. Vape-Free Kids NZ founder Marnie Wilton said the “undercover investigation” found stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch continuing to sell non-compliant heated tobacco devices days after the new regulations came into force.
“In Central Wellington alone, 10 out of 11 stores that previously sold Iqos [a heated tobacco device] are continuing to sell the devices,” Wilton claimed. Wilton said they caught 20 stores in less than a day and a half attempting to sell Iqos across the country..