How long till vapes are illegal in Australia
Currently, the laws around vaping in Australia vary depending on the state or territory. In some states, it is illegal to sell nicotine-containing e-cigarettes or e-liquids, while in others it is legal to import them for personal use with a prescription. However, it is illegal to vape in smoke-free areas, including indoor public places, workplaces, and some outdoor public spaces.
There have been calls for stricter regulation of Vape Australia, particularly in response to concerns about the growing number of young people taking up vaping. In 2019, the Australian federal government launched an inquiry into the use and marketing of electronic cigarettes and personal vaporisers in Australia, with a particular focus on the impact on public health and safety, as well as the effectiveness of current regulations.
The inquiry found that there was a need for stronger regulation of vaping products, including restrictions on advertising and promotion, and a ban on the sale of flavored e-liquids. The report also recommended that the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and e-liquids should only be allowed with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Following the inquiry, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that it would be implementing new regulations around the sale and importation of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and e-liquids from 1 October 2021. Under the new regulations, the importation of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and e-liquids will require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner, and the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and e-liquids will be restricted to registered pharmacies.
It is important to note that the new regulations do not make vaping illegal in Australia, but rather aim to reduce the accessibility and appeal of vaping products to young people while ensuring that adults who use vaping products as a smoking cessation aid can continue to access them through appropriate channels.
It is possible that further regulations around vaping products will be introduced in the future, depending on the evolving evidence around their safety and effectiveness as a smoking cessation aid, as well as their impact on public health. However, it is unlikely that vaping products will be banned outright in Australia in the near future, as there is still a need for alternatives to traditional smoking products for people who are trying to quit smoking.
In conclusion, while there have been calls for stricter regulation of vaping products in Australia, including a ban on flavored e-liquids and restrictions on advertising and promotion, it is unlikely that vaping products will be made illegal in the near future. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that these products are only accessible to adults who use them as a smoking cessation aid, while minimizing their appeal to young people and protecting public health and safety.