TGA Response: Prohibited Ingredients in E-Cigarettes

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jun.21.2023
TGA Response: Prohibited Ingredients in E-Cigarettes
Australian authority fines and issues infringement notices to e-cigarette importers for containing banned ingredients.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia had issued 38 infringement notices and imposed fines totalling AUD 588,840 against four importers of e-cigarettes for violating regulations.

 

The TGA laboratory has found prohibited substances in disposable e-cigarette samples from the brands IGET, GUNNPOD, and HQD, as per the therapeutic goods order for nicotine e-cigarette products (TGO 110) for 2021.

 

In response to the incident, 2FIRSTS promptly conducted an email interview with TGA. On June 21st, TGA Spokesperson replied to 2FIRSTS via email. TGA stated in their response that the disposable e-cigarette products IGET Bar, IGET Legend, GUNNPOD, and HQD were found to contain three prohibited ingredients: benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, and ethylene glycol. According to a search on the TGA official website, (Standard for Nicotine Vaping Products) (TGO 110) Order 2021 specifies the three ingredients are prohibited in e-cigarette products.

 

The following response is from a spokesperson for the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

 

Please attribute the following response to a spokesperson the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

 

1.Is it possible to announce the prohibited ingredients contained in IGET, GUNPOD and HQD branded vapes referenced in the media release?

 

Testing conducted by Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Laboratories identified the IGET Bar and IGET Legend disposable pod devices contained benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde and ethylene glycol; Gunnpod disposable pod devices were found to contain benzaldehyde and ethylene glycol; and HQD disposable pod devices were found to contain benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde and ethylene glycol.

 

2.Will there be other punishments for the enterprises named, such as arrests? Will the enterprises that produce and manufacture these products also be punished?

 

Infringement notices are one of the compliance tools the TGA can use when we believe that a requirement of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 has been breached. If an entity does not pay the infringement notice, the TGA may take further action such as formal court action.

 

The Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 regulates the import, export, supply, manufacture and supply of therapeutic goods within Australia. As the products subject to the infringement notices are manufactured outside of Australia, the manufacturers are not subject to Australian laws.

 

3.Will TGA strengthen supervision in the future?

 

On 2 May 2023, the Minister for Health and Aged Care announced that the Australian Government is taking strong action to combat the supply of unlawful vaping products. The TGA is working closely with state and territory governments and the Australian Border Force to introduce a comprehensive range of reforms, including:

  • stopping the import of non-prescription vapes;
  • increasing the minimum quality standards for vapes including by restricting flavours, colours, and other ingredients;
  • requiring pharmaceutical-like packaging;
  • reducing nicotine concentrations and volumes;
  • banning all single use disposable vapes; and
  • ending vape sales in convenience stores and other retail settings.

 

Note: The previously mentioned "GUNPOD" should be corrected to "GUNNPOD," as stated by TGA in their email reply.

 

Reference(s):

 

Three TSG stores based in Sydney and Jaradat and Sabbagh Group Pty Ltd have been issued with infringement notices totalling $588,840.

This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

JTI UK Launches 3 New Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Flavors
JTI UK Launches 3 New Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Flavors
Japan Tobacco International has announced the launch of three new Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch flavors in the UK: Raspberry, Tropical Mix, and Forest Berries. The new products are designed to enhance sensory experience by improving flavor release speed and moisture levels. They are now available to both independent retailers and major chains.
May.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Federal Court Orders Vape Website Permanently Shut Down Over Illegal Flavored E-Cigarette Sales
U.S. Federal Court Orders Vape Website Permanently Shut Down Over Illegal Flavored E-Cigarette Sales
New York Long Island e-cigarette company permanently closed by federal court for selling illegal flavored products, facing fines.
May.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Rolls Out Updated glo™ and neo™ Series in Japan Starting May
BAT Rolls Out Updated glo™ and neo™ Series in Japan Starting May
British American Tobacco Japan will launch a limited-edition version of its heated tobacco device, the glo Hyper Pro “Aurora,” starting May 26. The company also revamped its neo™ line on April 15, introducing updated names, flavors, and packaging. A new tobacco stick variant, “Neo Brilliant Red Fruits for Hyper,” was added to cater to evolving consumer preferences in Japan.
May.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Circulating Notices Suggest Geek Bar Manufacturer QISI Adjusted Production Amid U.S. Order Decline
Circulating Notices Suggest Geek Bar Manufacturer QISI Adjusted Production Amid U.S. Order Decline
Unverified notices suggest QISI, maker of Geek Bar, has scaled back production in Zhuhai due to declining U.S. orders. The tone shift between April and June points to increasing trade pressure.
Jun.16
ELFBAR Wins "2025 Best Brand Award" in South Korea, with Retail Penetration Near 50%
ELFBAR Wins "2025 Best Brand Award" in South Korea, with Retail Penetration Near 50%
ELFBAR won the "2025 Best Brand for Korean Consumers" award. Its new product, Ice King, received the MUSE Gold Award for its adjustable coolness and innovative design. Since entering the South Korean market in 2023, ELFBAR has reached nearly 50% of the country's e-cigarette retailers and achieved over 90% market share in central Seoul.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Word Vape Show Insights| Divergent Brand-Overseas Routes: UK Brands Target the Middle East, Southeast Asian Brands Land in Africa, and US Hits Struggling for Exports?
Word Vape Show Insights| Divergent Brand-Overseas Routes: UK Brands Target the Middle East, Southeast Asian Brands Land in Africa, and US Hits Struggling for Exports?
At the 2025 Dubai World Vape Show, 2Firsts observed a clear trend: global vape brands are speeding up their overseas expansion, but their routes are parting.
Jun.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai