From October 1, 2021, Australians will not be able to import e-cigarettes containing nicotine without a prescription, which is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of e-cigarette users. The new law was first announced last year by Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Last year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) decided that from October 1, 2021, the use of nicotine e-cigarettes will also require a prescription, and the child protective cap for liquid nicotine will be mandatory.
Greg Hunter stated that the decision will help prevent young people who are unlikely to smoke from switching to e-cigarettes and clarify the law for those who import e-cigarette products.
“Currently, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes containing nicotine in every state and region. Without a valid medical prescription, it is also illegal to hold e-cigarettes in all jurisdictions (except South Australia),” he said.
“This decision will reduce the risk of use by young people… and at the same time correct the problem of legally imported but illegally possessed.”
According to the latest survey, more than 500,000 Australians use e-cigarettes, and 2.4 million people have tried e-cigarettes.
