New vaping regulations in Australia has been introduced, moving e-cigarettes behind pharmacy counters in an effort to curb youth vaping. The laws, which came into effect on Monday July 01, 2024, aim to make it harder for young people to access vaping products, although they stop short of a stricter prohibition due to opposition.
Key Changes Under the New Vaping Laws
The new laws, passed last week, stipulate that vape sales will be restricted to pharmacies. Customers will need to consult with a pharmacist before purchasing a vape, and those under 18 will require a prescription. Initially, the ruling Labor party had planned to limit sales to those with a medical prescription, but this broader plan was modified after Greens senators expressed concerns about access for those trying to quit smoking and potential strain on the health system.
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There is a three-month delay in the implementation of the compromise. This means that until October, customers over 18 will need a prescription to buy vaping products. After October, this requirement will lapse. Sydney resident shared her thoughts, saying,
“I think it doesn’t really make that much sense, especially if they’re going to be changing it again in October. I think it’s just going to make people go for black market vapes or try to get vapes through their friends or online, or whatever the other routes of purchasing them are.”
The new regulations specifically target youth vaping in Australia, where approximately 22% of 18-24 year-olds reported using e-cigarettes or vaping devices at least once, according to data from last year. Besides restricting sales to pharmacies, the laws also limit the concentration of nicotine in vapes and restrict the available flavors to mint, menthol, or tobacco.
Enforcement and Impact of New Vaping Regulations
Australia, known for its strict anti-smoking laws and high tobacco taxes, had already banned most vape imports earlier this year. Importers must now apply for licenses from the government drug control body. Despite these restrictions, vapes remain widely available in small stores and are a common sight in pubs and bars. However, the government’s enforcement push claims to be removing hundreds of thousands of illegal vapes from the streets.
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In April, Health Minister Mark Butler reported that border police had seized more than 1.5 million illegal vapes, signaling a strong stance against illegal vaping products.
Conclusion
These new vaping regulations mark a significant shift in how Australia handles e-cigarettes, focusing on reducing youth access while balancing the needs of those trying to quit smoking. As the country continues to grapple with the impact of vaping, the upcoming changes in October will be closely watched.
