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TGA Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales in Queensland

Aug.05.2024
TGA Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales in Queensland
Australian authorities seize over 10,000 nicotine pouches and hundreds of illegal e-cigarette products in joint enforcement operation.

According to the official website of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia, on August 2nd, TGA and the Queensland Health Department seized over 10,000 nicotine pouches and hundreds of illegal e-cigarette products in a joint enforcement operation.

TGA Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales in Queensland
TGA and the Queensland Health Department found more than 10,000 nicotine pouches and hundreds of illegal e-cigarettes. Image source: TGA.


In this operation, with the support of the Queensland Department of Health and the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) executed search warrants on three tobacco retailers in Bunderburg suspected of illegally holding e-cigarettes. TGA and Queensland Health officials also inspected six retail stores in the Gladstone area.

TGA Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales in Queensland
The TGA and Queensland Department of Health seized over 10,000 nicotine pouches and hundreds of illegal e-cigarette products. Image source: TGA


Australia's Health Minister, Mark Butler, stated that


The joint enforcement operation between the TGA and Queensland Health demonstrates a strong enforcement attitude towards the new e-cigarette laws. This is a positive example of federal and state/territory cooperation in detecting and combatting illegal e-cigarette supply.


The seized e-cigarettes are reportedly in violation of the new commercial possession law under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (E-cigarette Reform) Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2024.


Currently, retail businesses in Australia, such as tobacco shops, e-cigarette stores, and convenience stores, are prohibited from supplying any e-cigarette products, even with a prescription. It is also typically illegal to possess e-cigarettes in retail locations. In addition to confiscating products, illegal importation, manufacturing, supplying, commercially holding, and advertising of e-cigarette products may also result in serious penalties.


Since January 1, 2024, the Australian Border Force and TGA have seized over 3.5 million e-cigarette products, valued at nearly 107 million Australian dollars (69.66 million U.S. dollars).


According to the 2024 Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (e-cigarette reform) Act, the maximum penalty for each offense is seven years imprisonment and/or 5000 penalty units (equivalent to $156,500 for individuals or $782,500 for businesses).


References:
[1] TGA and Queensland authorities seize alleged illicit vaping goods and nicotine pouches in joint enforcement operation
Also Read:
[1] Meeting between STMA Deputy Director and ABF Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner Erin Dale
[2] Rising Concerns Over Children's Use of E-cigarettes in Queensland.
[3] Australia Implements Transitional Period to Regulate E-Cigarette Products
[4] The Rise of E-cigarette Among Australian High School Students
[5] Police Crack Down on Illegal E-Cigarette Trade Including IGET in Western Australia
[6] Erin Dale Appointed Interim Commissioner for Illegal Tobacco Industry
[7] Australia Bans E-cigarette Sales Outside Pharmacies in Landmark Law

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