Australia implements new e-cigarette regulations: more than 10,000 nicotine bags and hundreds of e-cigarettes seized

Australia implements new e-cigarette regulations: more than 10,000 nicotine bags and hundreds of e-cigarettes seized

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Queensland Health seized more than 10,000 nicotine bags and hundreds of illegal e-cigarette products in a joint enforcement operation. Since January 2024, the Australian Border Force and TGA have seized more than 3.5 million e-cigarette products.

 

According to the official website of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on August 2, the TGA and Queensland Health seized more than 10,000 nicotine bags and hundreds of illegal e-cigarette products in a joint enforcement operation.

 

In this operation, the TGA, with the support of the Queensland Health Department and the Queensland Police Service (QPS), executed search warrants on three retail tobacco dealers in Bundaberg suspected of illegally possessing e-cigarettes. TGA and Queensland Health officials also inspected six retail stores in the Wide Bay area.

TGA and Queensland Health seize more than 10,000 nicotine pouches and hundreds of illegal e-cigarettes

TGA and Queensland Health seize more than 10,000 nicotine pouches and hundreds of illegal e-cigarettes

 

Australian Health Minister Mark Butler said,

 

"The joint enforcement action between the TGA and Queensland Health demonstrates a strong approach to enforcing the new e-cigarette laws. It is a positive example of the Commonwealth working together with the states and territories to detect and combat the illegal supply of e-cigarettes."

 

The seized e-cigarettes allegedly violated the new commercial possession laws under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (E-cigarette Reform) Act, which comes into effect on July 1, 2024.

 

Now, retailers in Australia, such as tobacco shops, e-cigarette shops and convenience stores, are not allowed to supply any e-cigarette products, even if they have a prescription. Possession of e-cigarettes in retail premises is also generally illegal. In addition to the seizure and confiscation of products, there are also serious penalties for the illegal importation, manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertising of e-cigarette products.

 

Since January 1, 2024, the Australian Border Force and TGA have seized more than 3.5 million e-cigarette products, with an estimated value of nearly A$107 million (US$69.66 million).

 

Under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (E-Cigarette Reform) Bill 2024, the maximum criminal penalty for each offence is seven years' imprisonment and/or 5,000 penalty units (equivalent to A$1.565 million [US$1.018 million] for an individual and A$7.825 million [US$5.094 million] for a corporation).