New Zealand has prohibited anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, from ever buying smoked tobacco products.
The law comes into effect in 2023 and is part of plans to make the country smoke free by 2025.
Next generation products (NGP) such as vapes, nicotine pouches or tobacco heating products (THP) are not part of the ban.
Smoking in New Zealand has been in steady decline and recently hit record lows, but daily vapers have increased from by 6.2% in the last year to 8.3% of adults.
“Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be $5bn better off” said Ayesha Verrall, New Zealand’s associate health minister.
New Zealand is a global first for banning tobacco, with countries like the US often only making minor regulatory changes such as banning menthol.
Imperial Brands identified New Zealand’s regulatory changes in its annual report released last Thursday, also indicating plans to branch away from traditional tobacco products.
That reflects the strategies of the tobacco giants, which have poured millions into tobacco alternatives in recent years as regulation has tightened around the world and health concerns have grown.
Imperial Brands said it plans to step up investment for NGPs following a ‘successful consumer trial’, the tobacco group revealed in its latest trading update.
“New category business continues to drive strong volume, revenue and market share” added Jack Bowles, British American Tobacco chief executive.
US based Altria owns a 35% stake in electronic cigarette maker Juul Labs, but in September released itself from non-competition agreements as the company continues to strengthen in major smoke-free categories.
Phillip Morris revealed that smoke-free products accounted for 30.1% of total net revenues in a third quarter trading update.
“Our smoke-free transformation continues at a rapid pace, reinforcing our aim to become a majority smoke-free company by net revenues in 2025” said the US tobacco giant.