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As the U.S. takes its time with e-cigarette regulations, Australia has launched some of the toughest vaping laws globally on Monday. This move is part of an international push to curb what the World Health Organization describes as a worrying surge in vaping among young people.
Starting now, Australia’s rules ban the supply, production, import, or sale of vape devices from any place other than a pharmacy, covering devices with or without nicotine.
Under these new guidelines, Australians must get a doctor’s prescription to buy a vaping device. At pharmacies, they’ll only find three flavors available: menthol, tobacco, and mint.
Customers will also need to discuss their purchase with the pharmacist. The nicotine content of available vapes will be regulated, and their packaging will mirror pharmaceutical standards.
Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the legislation’s goal to tackle the issues brought on by recreational vaping, highlighting its particular harm to the youth. Government figures reveal that about 22% of Australians aged 18 to 24 have tried vaping at least once, and a significant majority of young vapers want to quit.
The government asserts that these new laws will steer vaping back to its original purpose — a means to quit smoking.
Australia’s stance is distinct but fits into a broader international perspective where many countries have adjusted their e-cigarette laws. According to a 2023 WHO report, upwards of 121 countries regulate nicotine delivery systems, with 33 outright banning sales or imports of vapes. However, illicit trade thrives in some regions, such as India and Turkey.
Australia’s prescription-required model is somewhat groundbreaking. Other measures, like the ban on disposable vapes initiated at the start of the year, have seen follow-ups from countries like the UK, which has further banned sales of tobacco to those born in 2009 and onwards.
In contrast, the U.S. is lagging, with the FDA having approved only 27 tobacco and menthol e-cigarette products from major brands, leaving a significant market portion unregulated and prone to illegal sales, notably from Chinese producers.
American lawmakers have recently criticized public health officials for not effectively enforcing vaping laws, with calls for quicker action.
Despite its pioneering position, Australia’s law is not without its criticisms and loopholes. A recent tweak means that from October, adults over 18 won’t need a prescription but will still have to discuss their needs with a pharmacist before buying a vape. The law also sets a nicotine concentration maximum that aligns with international norms, a stark contrast to the higher levels found in U.S. products.
Previously, Australia required prescriptions for vapes, yet enforcement was lax, enabling easy access for youth. By moving sales to pharmacies, the law aims to better control the sector, despite objections from pharmacy representatives who resent the implication that pharmacies sell addictive substances without careful regulation.
The penalties for illegal vape sales are severe, yet personal possession remains decriminalized to an extent. A grace period allows for the disposal of excess products without penalty.
Australian medical leaders hail the law as a major step forward in controlling vape access, yet enforcement and compliance remain to be fully seen, with some reports of continued illegal sales.
Originally reported by Fortune.com, this story highlights a significant shift in Australian public health policy regarding vaping, setting a precedent that contrasts markedly with policies in the U.S. and elsewhere.