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.
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