Australia's Strict Regulations on E-cigarette Products: Latest Updates

Sep.11.2024

Australia has cracked down on illegal e-cigarette sales, seizing over 5.2 million products worth $1 billion. Only pharmacies can sell now.

According to a statement released on September 11th on the official website of the Australian Department of Health, Australia has seized over 5.2 million illegal e-cigarettes and related products so far this year. Since the implementation of the new e-cigarette law on July 1, 2024, joint operations by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) have successfully intercepted over 2 million e-cigarettes, with an estimated black market value of over 1.55 billion Australian dollars (approximately 1 billion US dollars).

According to new regulations, Australia now only allows pharmacies to legally sell e-cigarette products, while other retailers such as tobacco shops, e-cigarette stores, and convenience stores are prohibited from selling them. Patients must have a prescription from a doctor or registered nurse in order to purchase therapeutic e-cigarettes at a pharmacy. Starting from October 1, 2024, patients aged 18 and above can buy therapeutic e-cigarettes with a nicotine content of no more than 20mg/ml from pharmacies without a prescription.

Furthermore, the TGA has taken action against illegal e-cigarette advertisements. Since the new law came into effect, they have issued 118 warnings and have requested digital platforms to remove over 8,000 illegal advertisements. 58 non-compliant websites will be blocked. Violators of the new e-cigarette regulations will face harsh penalties, including up to seven years in prison and fines of up to $21.9 million Australian dollars per offense. The TGA encourages the public to report any violations, especially cases of non-pharmacy retailers illegally supplying e-cigarettes.

The Australian government has stated that its world-leading e-cigarette laws are aimed at restricting the prevalence of e-cigarette products, in order to protect children and teenagers from harm. Recent studies have shown that Australian teenagers who have tried e-cigarettes are five times more likely to try smoking than their peers. The government has expressed appreciation for the work of the TGA, ABF, and various state and territorial enforcement and health agencies, and has pledged to continue efforts to eliminate the illegal circulation of e-cigarettes.

References:

[1] Over five million vape products seized - so far

Also Read:

[1] Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration Responds to 2Firsts: Monitoring E-Cigarette Ads with Penalties Up to AUD 20M

[2] Legal Analysis: Chinese Freight Forwarder Under Investigation by Australia's TGA, Exporters Face Dual Risks at Home and Abroad

[3] Australia Faces E-Cigarette Black Market and Gang Violence Threat

#Open system e-cigarettes #Australia #Regulation #Oceania

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

NYS Youth Tobacco Use Down 29% Since 2022, Lowest Since 2000

According to the New York State Department of Health’s latest StatShot (Vol.17, #2025-1), high school tobacco product use in 2024 fell to 17.0%, the lowest rate since 2000, marking a 29% decline from 2022. E-cigarette use decreased from 18.7% to 13.1%, while cigarette use remained low at 2.4%.However, nicotine pouch use increased from 1.5% to 3.0%.

Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Bangladesh Approves Philip Morris Factory for Nicotine Pouches, Sparks Controversy: Regulator Says It’s “Completely Legal”

Philip Morris Bangladesh Limited (PMBL) has received approval to invest USD 5.82 million in a nicotine pouch factory in Narayanganj. Regulators say the project is legal under existing laws, while health groups argue it breaches a 2016 Supreme Court order and poses youth addiction risks.

Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Trump Signs H.R.5371: FDA to Deploy $200 Million for ENDS Enforcement

President Donald Trump signed the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R.5371) on November 12, Section 772 of Part B—the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (S.2256)—requires the FDA to allocate no less than $200 million in tobacco user fees to enforce regulations against illegal e-cigarettes, vapes, and other ENDS products. At least $2 million of this funding supports a federal multi-agency task force targeting products originating from the China.

Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philippine DOH Calls for Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Surging Youth Use

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has warned that youth vaping has reached alarming levels. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa stressed that despite regulations limiting vaping to adults aged 18 and above, minors—many in school uniforms—are frequently seen using vape devices. Criticizing the industry’s youth-targeted marketing tactics, Herbosa said the government should consider a nationwide total ban on vape products.