2LT Local News

CANBERRA, Australia: As the first step in its efforts to curb the growing popularity of nicotine-filled devices with young people, this week, the Australia Health Minister said it would ban imports of disposable vapes in January 2024.

In a statement, Health Minister Mark Butler said that the ban would be expanded in March to include all non-therapeutic vapes, including refillable devices, while importers of vapes for medical purposes will require permits from the Office of Drug Control.

The Australian Border Force and the Therapeutic Goods Administration will also receive A$75 million in extra funding to enforce the new rules.

Next year, additional legislation will adopt the same prohibitions for domestic manufacturers.

During a news conference, Butler said, “These are the vapes that have pink unicorns on them, bubblegum flavoring, disguised in order for them to hide them in their pencil cases.”

In addition, in January, doctors and nurses will be allowed to prescribe therapeutic vapes where clinically appropriate to ensure the bans do not prevent smokers from quitting.

However, therapeutic vapes will be restricted from using flavors, have limited nicotine levels, and be sold in pharmaceutical packaging under new rules to be introduced next year, with a transition period allowing manufacturers to comply.