Nicotine e-cigarettes now only available on prescription
The importation of single-use vapes will be banned from 1 January after the Federal Government passed a bill to tighten laws around the unregulated industry.
From 1 March, an individual will no longer be able to order vapes online from overseas or within Australia. Therapeutic vapes to aid individuals to quit smoking or for other clinical purposes will only be available if prescribed by a nurse or doctor. The importation of non-therapeutic vapes will also be prohibited and importers will be required to have a licence from the Australian Government’s Office of Drug Control.
Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps welcomed the move, saying it was an issue she had campaigned on since her election to Federal Parliament last year.
“So called ‘convenience stores’ selling snacks and vapes have popped up in several locations around Mackellar and parents are very upset as the stores are typically located close to schools and bus stops used by school kids,” she said.
“This is not without motive. Big tobacco knows that children who use vapes are three times more likely to take up tobacco smoking, she said.
Mr Butler said the latest data from the first quarter of 2023 showed that about one in seven 14- to 17-year-olds, and one in five 18- to 24-year-olds were current vapers.
“The only cohort in the population in Australia where smoking rates are actually on the rise is the youngest members of our community,” Mr Butler said.
Further reforms passed in December will see tougher regulations on the marketing of vape and tobacco products. Mr Butler also said that 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.
Ms Scamps said the changes were ‘great news’.
“Vapes are a gateway drug to smoking. From my perspective as a doctor, I welcome Minister Butler’s strong action on this.”