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.
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