The Failure of Australia's Nicotine E-Cigarette Ban

Dec.01.2022
The Failure of Australia's Nicotine E-Cigarette Ban
Australia's ban on nicotine e-cigarettes has led to a rise in black market sales and failed to curb youth usage.

Several years ago, Australia banned nicotine electronic cigarettes. It comes as no surprise that these products are now under attack, primarily because the law has failed to curb their use, and there has been a surge in young people using e-cigarettes, reaching record levels. This has only increased the value of the black market. It is evident that such a ban has not deterred people from smoking. The arguments and logic used to justify this crackdown are outdated.


Nicotine is addictive because it is similar to vitamin B3. Without a natural analogue, addiction cannot occur. Vitamin B3 serves as a stress manager and helps manage various conditions. Nicotinic acid or niacin is the natural form of vitamin B3, hence the name "niacin". Nicotine products are often contaminated and this is unacceptable. However, hydroponic tobacco can maintain purity and filter impurities from nicotine. It is chemically basic to understand. Organic tobacco packaged in this way has been imported into the US for years. It appears that the mainstream market is too lazy to implement these solutions.


Helping the black market as usual.


It is hard to imagine anything more effective against organized crime than a smoking ban. The high pricing will inevitably lead to a black market, making tobacco a lucrative source of income for organized crime.


Even from the perspective of the most rigid prohibitionist, there are two mistakes here.


Undoubtedly, as history has shown, implementing a ban often results in achieving the opposite of its intended goals. The original prohibition gave rise to modern organized crime, and the war on drugs has only enriched it. This is just another example of a complete failure. When you make something that people enjoy illegal, it only makes it more appealing to those who seek out forbidden activities, such as young people who are drawn to the excitement and coolness that comes with breaking the law. This is why there is a constant demand for illegal drugs, no matter how harmful they may be, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Prohibiting the use of nicotine in e-cigarettes will only lead to an increase in demand for it. It is another unnecessary and avoidable problem.


As the black market for tobacco earns billions of dollars, health issues remain unaddressed. It's time to address these concerns.


2FIRSTS will continue to report on this issue, with updates posted on the "2FIRSTS APP." Scan the QR code below to download the app.


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.

France drops a vaping clause from the 2026 finance bill after use of Article 49.3
France drops a vaping clause from the 2026 finance bill after use of Article 49.3
A provision in France’s 2026 finance bill intended to regulate vaping products was abandoned after Sébastien Lecornu used Article 49.3 on January 20 to commit the government’s responsibility on the “revenue” section of the state budget.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Croatian decree raises excise duties on tobacco products effective January 1, 2026
Croatian decree raises excise duties on tobacco products effective January 1, 2026
Croatian government decree provides that higher excise duties on tobacco manufactures and tobacco products take effect from January 1, 2026. Excise on e-liquid is set at €0.25 per millilitre, on heated tobacco products at €211.30 per kilogram, and on a new tobacco product at €126.90 per kilogram. The decree’s explanation says 2026 budget revenue from these excises is expected to increase by €129.1 million.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Great Wall Cigar explores global industrial cooperation via embassy visits in Beijing
Great Wall Cigar explores global industrial cooperation via embassy visits in Beijing
A delegation from the Great Wall Cigar Factory of China Tobacco Sichuan Industrial Co., Ltd. recently visited the embassies of Cuba, Morocco, and Indonesia in Beijing to explore opportunities for industrial cooperation and trade expansion.
Dec.08
Irish Vape Group Urges Full Scrutiny of Single-Use Vape Bill
Irish Vape Group Urges Full Scrutiny of Single-Use Vape Bill
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI) has urged TDs to fully scrutinise the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 as it comes before the Dáil for debate. Representing more than 3,300 independent vape retailers, RVI stressed that meaningful consultation with retailers and enforcement authorities is essential to ensure the ban meets its public health and environmental goals without unintended consequences.
Dec.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vietnam Decree 371: vaping and heated tobacco use fined up to $190
Vietnam Decree 371: vaping and heated tobacco use fined up to $190
Vietnam’s Government Decree 371, effective December 31, 2025, stipulates that users of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be fined VND 3–5 million (about $114–$190) and required to destroy the products. The decree also provides that individuals who allow use at premises they own or manage will be fined VND 5–10 million (about $190–$380), with fines doubled for organizations.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Lawmakers Push to Include E-Cigarettes in Vietnam’s Revised Investment Law Ban
Lawmakers Push to Include E-Cigarettes in Vietnam’s Revised Investment Law Ban
Vietnam’s National Assembly has debated amendments to the Investment Law that would include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the list of prohibited business activities. Lawmakers supported a total ban consistent with WHO recommendations and previous National Assembly resolutions, citing rising youth addiction rates. Finance Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng confirmed that the ban would apply comprehensively, with a short transition period for foreign factories.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai