Key Points:
- AUD 40,000 (USD 30,000) worth of illegal vapes seized in central Melbourne.
- Joint operation conducted by the TGA and Victoria Police.
- Store violated the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
- Heavy penalties imposed for illegal vape trade.
According to Indo Times (Aug 18), the store was found to have directly advertised and sold vaping products to the public, breaching the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Under Australia’s tobacco control reform, the import, manufacture, supply, advertising, and possession of non-therapeutic vapes is prohibited. Retailers are not allowed to supply any e-cigarette products.
TGA head Professor Anthony Lawler stressed that the operation underscores how seriously TGA and enforcement agencies treat public complaints and the need to curb unlawful activities. He reiterated that e-cigarettes can only be legally accessed through pharmacies for therapeutic purposes, specifically to support nicotine dependence treatment and smoking cessation.
Since January 2024, the TGA and the Australian Border Force have seized over 10.7 million illegal e-cigarettes valued at AUD 535 million (USD 300 million) and issued fines exceeding AUD 1.3 million (USD 850,000). Penalties for non-compliance are severe: up to AUD 2.31 million (USD 1.5 million) for individuals, AUD 23.1 million (USD 15.04 million) for corporations, and criminal charges of up to AUD 1.65 million (USD 1.07 million) plus a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment.
As of July 1, 2024, all vape advertising is banned in Australia. Vapes can only be supplied through pharmacies, while tobacco shops and convenience stores are prohibited from selling them even with a prescription. The public is advised to consult healthcare providers or pharmacists for support, including access to therapeutic vaping products.
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
