The importation of disposable vapes is banned from New Year’s Day, after a nationwide crackdown on what Health Minister Mark Butler labelled as the “biggest loophole in Australian healthcare history”.
The government implemented the ban on bringing in the products, with or without nicotine, in its $737 million effort to outlaw recreational smoking.
Under the new rules, vapes can only be legally sold at pharmacies with a prescription.
The Australian Border Force was told to destroy any vapes before they entered the country as tobacconists, service stations and retailers were issued a warning.
“It’s going to be unlawful, you’re going to be fined, you’ll be subject to prosecution, and it’s just the wrong thing to do, find another way to make money,” Butler said.
Australian Medical Association NSW president Michael Bonning said the ban was a world first.
“We know how easy it has been for young people to get their hands on vapes,” he said.
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” … there’s vape shops everywhere. You can, you know, by them at servos.”
Butler said the changes, which came after a review from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, would address serious health concerns, particularly in children.
“The only cohort where smoking rates are actually climbing now is our youngest members of the community and we’re determined to reverse that,” he said.
About one in five Australians aged between 18 to 24 vape, according to the government.
One teenager, Joy, even admitted: “The first thing I’d do when I wake up is vape.”
Vapes will also soon be required to have plain packaging, restricted flavours and colours and a reduced nicotine concentration.
