The Australian government is taking decisive action to decrease vaping through stricter laws, enforcement, education, and assistance in acknowledgment of the health risks posed by e-cigarettes.
Australians will need a prescription starting on October 1, 2021, in order to legally purchase e-cigarette products that contain nicotine.
New regulations being developed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will mandate that all e-cigarette products, even those without nicotine, be sold in pharmacy settings and require a prescription.
New e-cigarette regulations
The government has declared that it will shield citizens of Australia, especially the youth, from the negative effects of vaping and nicotine addiction.
Restrictions pertaining to the import availability, advertising, and sale of e-cigarette goods and liquids (nicotine and non-nicotine) changed on January 1, 2024.
In 2024, additional modifications will be implemented, one of which will be the cessation of non-prescription vaporizer imports and sales.
The government also plans to enact tight laws pertaining to prescription vapes, including limitations on flavours, colours, and other components as well as packaging that resembles those of pharmaceuticals.
lower the amounts and concentrations of nicotine that are permitted
Outlaw all disposable, single-use vaporizers.
Limit the availability of e-cigarettes by requiring a prescription and restricting their sale to pharmacies.
New restrictions to the advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes will also apply from 1 April 2024.
Indoor and outdoor settings that prohibit vaping
It is generally illegal to vape in places where tobacco smoking is banned. Smoke-free laws apply to everyone, including young people, but can differ by state or territory.