Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990

Coat of arms of New Zealand

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 is a significant piece of legislation in New Zealand aimed at reducing the harm caused by tobacco and other regulated products. The Act was originally enacted to create smoke-free environments and has since been amended to include regulations on other products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

History

The Act was passed by the New Zealand Parliament in 1990. It was a response to growing concerns about the health impacts of secondhand smoke and the rising rates of smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The legislation has undergone several amendments to address new challenges and incorporate new scientific evidence.

Provisions

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 includes several key provisions:

Smoke-free Areas

The Act mandates that certain public places and workplaces must be smoke-free. This includes:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Public transportation

Advertising and Promotion

The Act places strict restrictions on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. This includes:

• Banning tobacco advertising on television, radio, and in print media
• Prohibiting sponsorship of events by tobacco companies
• Restricting the display of tobacco products in retail outlets

Packaging and Labeling

The Act requires that tobacco products carry health warnings and that packaging is standardized to reduce the appeal of tobacco products. This includes:

• Graphic health warnings covering a significant portion of the packaging
• Plain packaging requirements to remove branding elements

Regulation of E-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products

Recent amendments to the Act have included provisions for the regulation of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. This includes:

• Age restrictions on the sale of these products
• Restrictions on advertising and promotion
• Requirements for product safety and quality standards

Impact

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 has had a significant impact on public health in New Zealand. Smoking rates have declined, and there has been a reduction in the incidence of smoking-related diseases. The Act has also contributed to changing social norms around smoking, making smoke-free environments the standard in many public and private spaces.

Future Directions

The New Zealand government continues to review and update the Act to address emerging issues and ensure that it remains effective in protecting public health. Future directions may include further restrictions on tobacco products, increased support for smoking cessation programs, and additional measures to regulate new and emerging products.

See Also

• Tobacco control
• Public health
• Smoking cessation
• Health effects of tobacco
• Secondhand smoke