Vaping ban: Australia set to ban import of e-cigarettes and nicotine refills

Australia already makes it hard to smoke e-cigarettes, a new law set to be introduced next month will make it almost impossible.

The era of e-cigarettes in Australia is likely to be over as the government toughens up on regulations around the controversial cigarette replacement.

From July 1, the government will look to prohibit the importation of e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing refills.

Currently all states and territories ban the sale of e-cigarettes meaning people are forced to import both them and the refills. The only way around the new ban will be if a doctor prescribes e-cigarettes and nicotine.

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The legality of e-cigarettes varied across the world. In a number of countries, they are seen as an effective tool to ween smokers from traditional cigarettes.

Britain’s National Health Service actually recommends their use for people quitting alongside face-to face support.

“E-cigarettes aren’t completely risk free but they carry a small fraction of the risk of cigarettes,” the organisation states.

The import ban is likely to come into effect in July. Picture: EVA HAMBACH / AFP.

But some medical professionals believe they can actually attract people to take up smoking or remain as smokers.

The planned Australian ban will remain in place for 12 months to allow for public consultation on the regulation of nicotine products by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The TGA is considering an amendment to the Poisons Standard which would mean vaporiser nicotine products would require a valid prescription. A final decision is expected to be announced early in 2021.

Under the ban, Australians would still be able to vape using vaporiser nicotine containing e-cigarettes if they have discussed their needs with their doctor and the doctor provides a prescription.

They would get their e-cigarettes or refills via a permission granted by the health department to a doctor or medical supplier who would be able to import the goods using a courier service or by cargo service.

The goods would not be able to be imported by individuals through international mail.

Vapers would have to get a prescription from their doctor to continue the habit. Picture: Che Chorley

The move has been welcomed by the Australian Medical Association (AMA). “Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and there is no level of tobacco use which is safe,” AMA vice president Dr Chris Zappala said.

He said e-cigarettes and vaping were not a healthy alternative to smoking.

Speaking to ABC Perth, Emeritus Professor at Sydney University’s School of Public Health Simon Chapman said e-cigarettes were far from a healthy alternative.

“We know a typical vaper will pull into their lungs over 120 times a day, and not just nicotine – flavouring agents, fine metal particles that have sloughed off form the coil.

“It’s a big question whether we will see consequences down the track.”

Some users of e-cigarette have said that banning the implements and liquid nicotine could send them back to smoking standard cigarettes. But Prof Chapman said these smokers could approach their GPs.

“I can’t see any downsides to it. I think that is entirely consistent with the way in which we all access drugs.”

But he pointed to Canada where the use of e-cigarettes had spread among teenagers since their use was liberalised as a warning of what could have happened in Australia.