Retail compliance and industry adaptation following restrictions on disposable vapes and product visibility in Aotearoa New Zealand: a compliance audit

INTRODUCTION: A growing number of countries are disallowing disposable vapes in response to rising youth vaping and environmental concerns. In June 2025, New Zealand ended disposable vape sales, restricted product visibility and tightened advertising and marketing restrictions. Research into the implementation and impact of such measures remains limited. We audited specialist vape retailers' compliance with these law changes and examined the post-implementation availability of low-cost vaping products. METHODS: A 21-year-old 'mystery shopper' and observer visited 98% of specialist vape retailers (n=87) in Metropolitan Wellington. We investigated whether retailers continued to sell disposable vaping products, observed the visibility of vaping products from outside the store and presence of disallowed advertising, discounting, giveaways and loyalty schemes, and tested age verification practices. Although the legal purchase age is 18, retailers are expected to request identification from anyone appearing under 25. We purchased and analysed low-priced vaping products. RESULTS: Over half the stores (52%) were non-compliant with at least one assessed measure. We observed four stores (5%) selling disposable vapes. Vaping products were visible from outside 24% of stores, 40% displayed disallowed advertising and 5% used promotions that were no longer allowed. In 89% of stores, reusable starter kits were available for NZ$15 or less (<US$9). Nearly half the stores (48%) did not request age verification. CONCLUSIONS: Non-compliance with youth protection measures was widespread. Although disposable products were not widely available following the law change, the continued availability of very low-cost reusable vapes may undermine youth protection and environmental goals.