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 The arguments and logic used to justify this crackdown are outdated.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

Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Thailand Chonburi provincial police, in coordination with multiple agencies, raided a large-scale warehouse in downtown Chonburi used for producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vape liquids. Two Chinese nationals were arrested, and more than 40 categories of contraband—including vapes, e-liquids, and production equipment—were seized, with an estimated total value exceeding US$920,000 (about 30 million Thai baht).
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea to ban vape vending machines near schools from February 15, 2026
South Korea to ban vape vending machines near schools from February 15, 2026
Starting from February 15, 2026, South Korea bans e-cigarette vending machines within 200m of schools to protect youth from nicotine products.
Oct.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA CTP Acting Director  Supports Expanding Authorized Flavored E-Cigs and Legal Marketplace
FDA CTP Acting Director Supports Expanding Authorized Flavored E-Cigs and Legal Marketplace
At the FDLI Tobacco and Nicotine Policy Conference, FDA CTP Acting Director Bret Koplow spoke in favor of promoting tobacco harm reduction to reduce smoking. He backed a legal marketplace for authorized reduced-risk products, potential expansion of flavored e-cigs, and faster FDA reviews to ensure a strong, regulated market.
Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026
Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Bhutan has announced stronger actions to combat the growing threat of e-cigarette use, especially among youth. While no new vaping-related lung collapse cases have been reported since 2024, the MoH confirmed that fiscal and legal reforms are underway to include e-cigarettes in tax and tobacco control laws starting January 2026.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
XQS Rolls Out Two Beverage-Flavoured Nicotine Pouches in UK; Says Convenience Stores Are the Fastest-Growing Channel
XQS Rolls Out Two Beverage-Flavoured Nicotine Pouches in UK; Says Convenience Stores Are the Fastest-Growing Channel
Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) UK has added two beverage-inspired variants—Cola Lime and Fizzy Peach—to its XQS nicotine pouch range. Both come in an 8mg strength and are available exclusively via the Vape Supplier website, with a recommended retail price of £5.50.
Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply
In September 2025, China’s total e-cigarette exports reached USD 879 million, representing a 6.08% decline month-on-month but a 3.41% increase year-on-year.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai