Australia has passed new laws that are changing the way vaping products are sold across the country. These changes come as part of the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024, which aims to tighten rules around these products due to growing health concerns.
Starting July 1st, nicotine vapes will no longer be sold in regular stores. Instead, they will only be available in pharmacies, initially requiring a doctor’s prescription. This means for those seeking to buy nicotine vapes, they’ll need to consult with a doctor first before visiting a pharmacy.
From October 1st, the requirement for a prescription will be lifted, allowing adults over 18 to purchase these products from pharmacies by simply showing their ID.
The new legislation will also enforce strict rules on how vaping products are advertised and packaged. They will be sold in plain packaging with limited flavours, and there will be strong penalties for anyone selling them illegally.
These changes aim to tighten the control on vaping products due to concerns about their health effects, especially on young people. There has been a significant rise in e-cigarette use among young Australians. Recent surveys indicate a nearly doubling of usage among those aged 15 to 29, overtaking traditional smoking rates for the first time in this age group.
While some health experts support these changes to protect public health, others worry that making nicotine vapes easier to buy without a prescription might lead to more people using them.
“Pharmacists are healthcare professionals and community pharmacies do not want to supply this potentially harmful, highly addictive product without a prescription,” National Vice President of the Guild Anthony Tassone said.
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