Australia implements new regulations to curb youth vaping

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - A new set of regulations in Australia came into effect on Monday in an attempt to curb youth vaping by restricting e-cigarette sales and purchases.

The law passed last week requires pharmacies to store e-cigarettes behind counters, the Department of Health and Aged Care said in a statement.

In addition, the law also limits the concentration of nicotine in vapes and restricts the flavors to mint, menthol, or tobacco.

The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 does not prohibit vaping; rather, vapes will be regulated as therapeutic goods and can only be supplied by registered pharmacists, medical practitioners, or nurse practitioners who are authorized to do so under state or territory law.

According to the law, customers must consult with a pharmacist before purchasing a vape, and those under 18 will require a prescription.

The ruling Labor Party was forced to soften a broader plan that would have restricted sales to only those with a medical prescription after opposition raised concerns that it would limit access for people trying to quit smoking and strain the health system.

"From 1 October 2024, therapeutic vapes containing nicotine or a zero-nicotine substance will be available for supply in pharmacy settings to patients 18 years or over without a prescription," the statement added.

Until then, it further said, therapeutic vaping substances can only be supplied to patients with a prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner.

In Australia, approximately 22% of people aged 18 to 24 reported using e-cigarettes or vaping devices at least once.

Earlier this year, the country banned the majority of vape imports.