Lawmakers in the Cook Islands have proposed a ban on all next-generation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
The proposal is included in the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill 2024, which will be tabled in Parliament this month.
Cook Islands residents, permanent residents and work permit holders are not allowed to bring in any vaping or heated tobacco products for personal use, sale or distribution if they leave and return to the Cook Islands, according to the Bill.
Tourists over the age of 21 are allowed to bring only one “imitation tobacco device” and up to 30 milliliters of e-liquid, according to media reports.
The Bill says any breach of the regulations by individuals will result in a fine of $100,000 or up to three months in prison.
Businesses caught importing imitation tobacco products face a $1 million fine. Additionally, non-compliant businesses will incur a daily penalty of $100,000 for each day the violation continues.