Sting uncovers multiple stores selling illegal heated tobacco devices

Several stores around the country have been caught selling non-compliant heated tobacco devices following new regulations in force since yesterday. 

Since 1 October 2024 all vaping devices must have a removable battery and child safety mechanisms. 

Philip Morris IQOS heated tobacco devices are regulated as vaping devices, with current products unable to be sold given the devices don’t contain a removable battery or adequate child safety mechanism. 

An undercover investigation by Vape-Free Kids has identified stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch continuing to sell heated tobacco devices including a shop in Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s electorate of Botany. 

In Central Wellington alone, 10 out of 11 stores that previously sold IQOS are continuing to sell the devices. 

Undercover footage shot by Vape-Free Kids shows IQOS products are being openly displayed for sale with sellers continuing to offer both IQOS heated tobacco devices and non-compliant VEEV One disposable vapes for sale. 

Philip Morris removed IQOS devices from their website at 3pm last Monday 23 September letting customers know this was ‘due to a regulatory change’, yet the products can still be purchased from stores today. 

Many retailers claimed to be unaware that the devices can’t legally be sold. The vast majority believe they can legally continue to sell these products. Some are expecting additional deliveries of IQOS products and others stating they had received no information to stop selling or return IQOS devices back to the supplier. 

“The fact that most retailers don't even know if the highly addictive products they are selling are legal or not is shocking. Illegal products are openly being sold a few streets down from the Beehive with no repercussions, says Charyl Robinson, co-founder of Vape-Free Kids.  

“There are 7000 vaping products for sale in over 8000 locations, when are we going to say enough is enough. We need to drastically cut the number of stores now as National promised during the election campaign. 

“New legislation the Government is proposing doesn't go far enough given the two dozen smokefree enforcement officers face the mighty task of policing 8000 vape stores. Having caught 20 stores in less than a day and a half attempting to sell IQOS, there could be thousands more stores selling illegal products. 

We need fewer stores, more enforcement and stronger action from the Government.