Announced by federal Health Minister Mark Butler on May 2, the crackdown will see recreational vaping outlawed, the importation of non-pharmaceutical vapes outlawed, and tight restrictions on the flavours and packaging of the products.
The importation and sale of all e-cigarettes, regardless of whether they are labelled as containing nicotine or not, will soon be banned in Australia, unless they are supplied by prescription through a licensed pharmacist.
Preston says the surge in Australian vapers is disappointing given the federal government, in 2021, already banned the possession and sale of all (non-prescription) electronic cigarettes containing nicotine. The ban meant only vapes that do not contain nicotine could be sold over-the-counter.
New vaping reforms announced on Monday will see the importation of nicotine and non-nicotine vaping products banned in Australia except to pharmacies, along with a range of other measures.
The sale and use of e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine is illegal under the NSW Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 without approval from the NSW Ministry of Health. The following regulations also apply to e-cigarettes in NSW: The sale of e-cigarettes to minors under the age of 18 is banned.
Schedule 4 substances are referred to as 'restricted substances' as per the Poisons Act 1971 (TAS). It is illegal for a person to have a nicotine vaping product in ones' possession, without a prescription, as per section 36. A maximum penalty of a $6,850 fine or 2-years imprisonment is applicable.
1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.
Is vaping legal in Queensland? Vaping products containing nicotine are illegal, unless on prescription. Vapes are also subject to the same laws as cigarettes or tobacco products, so where you can legally smoke vapes and cigarettes is the same.
About 11% of the general population aged 14 and over reported in 2019 having ever used e-cigarettes. At 26.1%, ever use was highest among young adults aged between 18 and 24 years, with lower use among older age groups.
They breathe in addictive nicotine and dozens of dangerous chemicals. Research suggests that vaping may affect the way cells in the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs) react to germs and may increase the chance of disease and infection from bacterial and virus, like the virus that causes COVID-19.
Research suggests one in six Australians aged 14-17 years old has vaped, and one in four people aged 18-24. "Only 1 in 70 people my age has vaped," said Mr Butler, who is 52. He said the products are being deliberately targeted at kids and are readily available "alongside lollies and chocolate bars" in retail stores.
In Australia, you must be 18 to do anything vape-related.
Are e-cigarettes less harmful than regular cigarettes? Yes—but that doesn't mean e-cigarettes are safe. E-cigarette aerosol generally contains fewer toxic chemicals than the deadly mix of 7,000 chemicals in smoke from regular cigarettes. However, e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless.
Breathing in the harmful chemicals from vaping products can cause irreversible (cannot be cured) lung damage, lung disease and, in some cases, death. Some chemicals in vaping products can also cause cardiovascular disease and biological changes that are associated with cancer development.
Lung function starts to improve 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting. From 1–12 months after quitting, symptoms such as coughing and breathing problems should improve as lung structures heal. If people wish to quit vaping, they can speak with a healthcare professional.
Under state and territory laws, it is illegal to possess, supply or sell nicotine containing e-cigarettes, except: in specific circumstances. and when they are being supplied or accessed through a prescription.
Under the national Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes that make a health claim, such as 'this product helps smokers to quit'. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has not approved e-cigarettes as a nicotine replacement therapy to help smokers to quit.
Is vaping classed as smoking? No, vaping is not classed as smoking. E-cigarettes aren't the same as conventional cigarettes because they don't contain tobacco, and they aren't burned to produce smoke.
A dentist can't tell if you're vaping or not, but they can tell that you're consuming nicotine, whether through traditional cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. Nicotine leaves yellow and brown stains on teeth after it mixes with our saliva flow. It can also lead to cavities, bad breath, and serious gum damage.
You might also be wondering how many cigarettes are there in 3mg e liquid. Around 14 puffs would be equal to one cigarette and a 60 ml bottle of 3 mg e liquid would be equal to 15 cigarettes.
Battery operated e-cigarettes (vapes) including e-cigars and other personal vaporizers must be in carry-on baggage only. The use on board and the recharging of these devices is strictly prohibited. The item must be packed to prevent accidental activation.
It is also illegal to sell vaping products (with or without nicotine) to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Vaping nicotine is legal in Australia only with a GP's prescription. Remember, there is no legal age to vape nicotine in Australia per se, as vaping without a nicotine prescription is illegal.