The Government has proposed legalising the sale of nicotine electronic cigarettes, with conditions.

The Ministry of Health has released a consultation paper on policy options for regulating the sale of electronic cigarettes.

It says after considering the evidence, the Government has agreed in principle to nicotine e-cigarettes being legally available for sale and supply in New Zealand, with appropriate controls.

The Government has proposed regulating the sale of both vapouriser devices and their liquids and refill cartridges in the same way tobacco products are currently regulated.

Submissions on the proposal close in six weeks.