Single-Use Vapes Banned From Importation Into Australia From New Years

Single-use vapes will be banned from importation into Australia from January 1, 2024.

The move comes as part of the federal government’s crackdown on vaping, in attempts to prevent children from becoming addicted to nicotine.

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Australia aims to become the first country to limit vaping to those only with a prescription and will roll out its implementation is several phases next year.

Health Minister Mark Butler will also announce from January 2024 medical and nurse practitioners will be able to prescribe vapes, and patients can fill their scripts at pharmacies.

From March 2024, personal importation and non-therapeutic vapes importations will be banned.

Tighter restrictions on flavours, nicotine concentration levels and packaging, but businesses will be allowed a transition period to comply with the new requirements.

The Briefing spoke to a 19-year-old who was addicted to vaping. You can hear their story here:

Mr Butler said vaping is a “major public health issue” and the habit is creating a “whole new generation of nicotine dependency in our community”.

“Vaping was sold to governments and communities around the world as a therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit,” he said.

“It was not sold as a recreational product — especially not one targeted to our kids — but that is what it has become.

“All Australian governments are committed to working together to stop the disturbing growth in vaping among our young people.”

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