How to Read a Vape Product Label in New Zealand

When you pick up a vape product in New Zealand, the label isn’t just a bunch of small print — it’s a guide to what you’re actually putting into your body. With the country’s strict regulations around Electronic Cigarettes, understanding how to read these labels is one of the easiest ways to make safer, more informed choices. Whether you’re new to vaping or just browsing at a trusted vape shop, here’s what you need to know.

Nicotine Strength and Usage

Nicotine strength is usually one of the first things you’ll notice on a label. It’s measured either in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml) or as a percentage (%). In simple terms:

• 3mg (0.3%) → light nicotine, suitable for social or casual use.
• 6–12mg (0.6%–1.2%) → moderate strength, closer to the experience of traditional cigarettes.
• 20mg (2%) → the maximum strength legally allowed in New Zealand for nicotine salts.
  
  

Why it matters: picking the right level helps you avoid both underuse (unsatisfied cravings) and overuse (which can cause dizziness, nausea, and stronger dependency).

Research also shows that youth are particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction. A 2024 study on vaping adversity in young people highlights the risks of early exposure — which is why NZ requires clear addiction warnings on labels.

If you’re looking at e-liquids, you’ll often see different product categories like freebase or nicotine salts. These aren’t just fancy names — they determine how quickly the nicotine hits your system and what kind of vape device works best with them. While freebase e-liquid is more compatible with bigger vaping device like vape mod, the nicotine salts or nic salts are usually used for refillable pod systems or closed pods (which usually comes with separate prefilled pods).

Ingredients and Contents

Turn the bottle around and you’ll usually find four main ingredients:

• Propylene Glycol (PG) – carries flavor and gives a stronger throat hit.
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG) – makes vapor thicker and smoother.
  
• Flavorings – food-grade additives that create everything from fruit blends to tobacco notes.
• Nicotine – optional, but always clearly listed when included.
  
  

The PG/VG ratio is key. Higher PG blends are better for smaller pod systems, while high VG blends suit larger cloud-chasing setups. For example, certain pod systems are designed to perform best with specific types of e-liquids.

Pro tip: if a product doesn’t clearly list its contents, that’s a red flag. Always stick to transparent labeling from reputable sources.

Expiry Dates and Batch Numbers

Vape liquids don’t last forever. The expiry date tells you when the e-liquid may start losing flavor, nicotine strength, or freshness. Using expired products isn’t dangerous in most cases, but it can taste off and deliver weaker performance.

Batch numbers are equally important. They act like a fingerprint for each production run. If there’s ever a recall or quality concern, that batch number is what allows manufacturers and shops to trace the issue.

Devices must also have a serial or batch number for traceability, including single-use ones. If you ever come across a product without an expiry date or batch number, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

Legal Disclaimers and Warnings

New Zealand has some of the strictest vaping regulations in the world. By law, every product label must include:

• A clear “Not for sale to under-18s” statement.
• Health warnings about nicotine’s addictive properties.
• Manufacturer and importer details.
• Instructions for safe use and storage.

For products containing nicotine, labels must feature the exact warning statement in both English and te reo Māori — in a specific format:

“This product contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.”
“He nikotīni kei roto i tēnei mea, he matū tino whakawara”
And must be prominently placed (front and back, centered, Helvetica black text on white background, occupying at least 32% of surface area)

These warnings aren’t just formalities. They’re designed to protect consumers — especially young people — from potential harms. The ScienceDirect research mentioned earlier reinforces why these disclaimers matter: adolescence is when nicotine addiction can develop most rapidly.

And here’s where buying from a licensed vape shop matters. Legitimate shops are required to sell products that meet NZ’s compliance standards. More details on product safety regulation standards can be found in the New Zealand Ministry of Health Website.

Brand and Model Compatibility

Not all e-liquids are created equal, and not all vape devices work with the same types of e-liquids. This is why compatibility notes on the label are so important.

For example:

• High-VG blends usually pair better with sub-ohm devices.
• Nicotine salts are typically designed for pod systems.

Using the wrong type of liquid with your device can lead to burnt coils, leaks, or just an unsatisfying vape. Labels help prevent that mismatch. While there are a lot of brands in the market, doing more in depth research on certain vape device brands is important before purchasing one. That way you will be able to ensure safety and meet your personal vaping preference. 

FAQs: Quick Answers for Everyday Questions

• Do all vape products in NZ need warning labels?
  Yes — nicotine products must include addiction warnings and legal disclaimers.
• Can I use nicotine-free e-liquids in any vape device?
  Mostly yes, but still check the PG/VG ratio for compatibility.
• What if my vape liquid has no expiry date?
  Avoid it. Expiry dates are a basic compliance requirement in NZ.
• Where’s the best place to buy safe vape products?
  A licensed vape shop in New Zealand ensures products are compliant and safe.

Final Thoughts

Reading a vape label isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. From nicotine strength to expiry dates, every detail is there to help you make informed decisions and stay within NZ’s vaping regulations.

The bottom line? Choose products that are transparent, properly labeled, and purchased from a trusted vape shop. At the end of the day, that little label can make all the difference between a good experience and a questionable one.