Australia Retailers Fined Nearly $400,000 for Illegal Vape Sales

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued infringement notices totaling $396,000 to 20 retail businesses in Melbourne for the alleged unlawful supply of vaping products. The fines, which amount to $19,800 per business, were the result of a joint operation conducted in December 2024 by the TGA and the Victorian Department of Health to enforce compliance with recent vaping reforms.

Since July 1, 2024, Commonwealth, state, and territory enforcement officers have been inspecting retail stores across Australia to educate businesses and ensure adherence to the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024. This legislation prohibits retailers, such as service stations and tobacconists, from selling any type of vape, with only Australian pharmacies permitted to supply these products for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence management purposes.

In addition to the infringement notices issued to Melbourne retailers, the TGA and the Australian Border Force have seized over 7 million unlawful vaping products since January 1, 2024. From July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, the TGA issued 54 infringement notices to businesses and individuals for alleged advertising, supply, possession, or import of illegal vapes.

• Read more:Australia Becomes First Country to Restrict Vape Sales to Pharmacies

Professor Anthony Lawler, Head of the TGA and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the insidious impact of nicotine, particularly on young Australians, from both health and social perspectives. “What we are doing is not just about enforcing the law, it is about protecting the health and wellbeing of Australians now and into the future,” he stated.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Tarun Weeramanthri AM, highlighted the public health risks posed by illicit vapes, which can contain many toxic chemicals in addition to nicotine that cause damage when repeatedly inhaled. “These chemicals present a real public health risk to users, and this is why there are such clear restrictions around who can manufacture, import and supply vapes,” he explained.

The TGA encourages anyone with information about the unlawful sale of vaping goods to report it and invites individuals to visit their Vaping hub to learn more about the regulation of these products. The recent operation in Melbourne follows previous joint enforcement actions by the TGA and Queensland Health, which resulted in the seizure of alleged illicit vaping goods and nicotine pouches.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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