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 The arguments and logic used to justify this crackdown are outdated.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.

Ireland to Impose EU’s Highest Tax on Vape E-Liquids: €0.50 per ml, Effective Nov. 1
Ireland to Impose EU’s Highest Tax on Vape E-Liquids: €0.50 per ml, Effective Nov. 1
From Nov. 1, Ireland will levy €0.50/ml on all e-liquids and tighten rules—including a disposable ban; advocates warn this could hinder quitting amid a missed 2025 target.
Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observation | U.S. E-cigarette Regulation Enters Normalized Phase as Federal and State Authorities Tighten Compliance Frameworks
2Firsts Observation | U.S. E-cigarette Regulation Enters Normalized Phase as Federal and State Authorities Tighten Compliance Frameworks
In just two months, U.S. authorities seized over 7 million illegal e-cigarettes. 2Firsts’ analysis reveals a shift toward institutionalized regulation, with federal and state agencies intensifying enforcement — signaling a major reset in the world’s largest and most influential vaping market.
Oct.28
CSUR, the Research Institute Supporting Juul’s PMTA Research, Outlines a New Pathway for Nicotine Pouches
CSUR, the Research Institute Supporting Juul’s PMTA Research, Outlines a New Pathway for Nicotine Pouches
CSUR—the Research Institute Supporting Juul and NJOY’s successful PMTAs—assessed FDA’s pilot for nicotine pouches. The program expedites premarket review by deferring behavioral data to post-market reporting. CSUR says this could speed authorizations, but manufacturers must still produce behavioral and real-world evidence after a Marketing Granted Order to maintain compliance with public-health standards.
Nov.04
Australian Federal Police Dismantles WA Illegal Tobacco Network Linked to National Syndicate
Australian Federal Police Dismantles WA Illegal Tobacco Network Linked to National Syndicate
Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Western Australia Police seized more than five tonnes of illicit tobacco products in Perth, including over four million cigarettes, about 50,000 vapes, and nearly 900 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco. Authorities allege the operation, linked to a national organised crime syndicate, aimed to evade around $8 million in Commonwealth excise and taxes.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JT Q3 2025: Revenue +18%, Profit +30%; RRP Volume +40%; Guidance Up
JT Q3 2025: Revenue +18%, Profit +30%; RRP Volume +40%; Guidance Up
Japan Tobacco (JT) delivered a strong Q3 2025. Revenue rose 18.3% year over year to ¥947.2 billion, with adjusted operating profit up 27.8% to ¥279.0 billion (+20.8% at constant currency) and net profit up 29.7% to ¥176.7 billion. Growth was led by reduced-risk products (RRP): total RRP volume climbed 40%, with heated tobacco (HTS) up 53%. In Japan, the launches of Ploom AURA and EVO pods pushed HTS category share to 15.5%, while the Ploom user base has nearly doubled versus two years ago.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian state of Selangor proposes sharing e-cigarette tax revenue with federal government for local enforcement agencies
Malaysian state of Selangor proposes sharing e-cigarette tax revenue with federal government for local enforcement agencies
Selangor, Malaysia proposes federal government share e-cigarette tax revenues for local enforcement, suggesting collaboration for better regulation.
Oct.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai