For those who are interested, this is the most recent info on the state of vaping in Aus. From the horses mouth, so to speak.
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/next-steps-on-vaping-reforms?language=en
From 1 January 2024, the Government will implement a ban on the importation of disposable single use vapes.
From 1 March 2024, further changes are expected to commence, including the:
- cessation of the personal importation of vapes
- ban on the importation of non-therapeutic vapes
** - requirement for therapeutic vape importers and manufacturers to notify the Therapeutic Goods Administration of their product’s compliance with the relevant product standards
- requirement for importers to obtain a licence and permit from the Australian Government’s Office of Drug Control before the products are imported.
Apart from illegal imports of disposables, Aussie Vapers rely on the personal importation scheme to import nicotine (with a prescription).
During 2024, product standards for therapeutic vapes will also be strengthened, including to limit flavours, reduce permissible nicotine concentrations and require pharmaceutical packaging. A transition period will be allowed for businesses to comply with the new requirements.
The Government will introduce legislation in 2024 to prevent domestic manufacture, advertisement, supply and commercial possession of non-therapeutic and disposable single use vapes to ensure comprehensive controls on vapes across all levels of the supply chain.
Quote from Butler:
“Vaping was sold to governments and communities around the world as a therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit. It was not sold as a recreational product - especially not one targeted to our kids but that is what it has become.
Umm yes, because you announced that you were going to ban disposables in May 2023 then did nothing the enforce this, so the already established black market (since the prescription model was introduced by the previous government in 2021) has flourished!
Anyway, you get the idea. I have to stop, it makes me too angry.
