Retail NZ has welcomed the Government’s move to tighten controls on the illegitimate sale and use of nitrous oxide canisters.

Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Health Minister, Simeon Brown, announced last week a range of measures, including that all nitrous oxide canisters over 10 grams will automatically be classed as psychoactive substances, and that any imports will require approval from the Director-General of Health.   

According to Brown, nitrous oxide has legitimate medical and commercial uses, but recreational use, commonly known as ‘nangs’, is associated with real harm that is likely under-reported.   

Nangs can cause short-term effects such as dizziness, impaired judgement and blackouts, which are dangerous, particularly when combined with driving or when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Heavy or repeated use poses higher risks, including damage to the nervous system and long-term neurological injury. 

“Although recreational use of nitrous oxide is already illegal, misuse continues to grow and is becoming a serious public health concern. The harms can be significant and long-lasting, and it is clear we need to do more,” Brown said. 

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young said retailers are pleased with the Government’s swift and decisive action. She added that the changes will aid police in their work to crack down on the improper sale of this product.

“We have had reports of nangs-use being a driver behind some incidents of retail crime, and we believe there is no legitimate reason for non-specialist retailers to be selling nitrous oxide canisters,” Young said.

“These new measures make it clear for both retailers and consumers that nang use can be dangerous and is an issue that should be taken seriously,” she added.

In light of the changes, customs has arrested three men in Auckland for the alleged illegal importation of nitrous oxide, drug utensils and illicit tobacco.

The arrests came after officers intercepted a sea cargo container with approximately 1600 three-litre canisters of nitrous oxide, 21,400 methamphetamine utensils and 219kg of illicit tobacco, which had been sent from China. 

“Last week’s changes to the law will further strengthen the controls on the importation of nitrous oxide, and Customs is already actively enforcing those requirements at the border,” said Kylie Campbell, acting chief customs officer, fraud and prohibition.

“Working closely with police and other partners, our role is to stop prohibited and harmful goods before they enter New Zealand and to disrupt those seeking to profit from them.”