Australian authorities have seized tens of thousands of nicotine vapes illegally being sold in the country over the past 18 months. Between July 2020 and December 2021, the New South Wales Department of Health seized more than 100,000 illegal vaping products, with a street value of more than $2 million.
Since October, Australian vapers have been required to obtain a doctor’s prescription for nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and liquids. Doctors are supposed to prescribe the products only as a last resort when more proven quit treatments fail. The law changes were prompted by concerns about the health impacts of vaping, and data showing children are increasingly using the products.
Over the past year, local public health units had been springing convenience stores, petrol stations and tobacconists who were selling vapes to children, enlisting undercover teenagers to attempt to purchase the products, according to news reports.
Consumers who fail to include a nicotine prescription with their order will be subject to a fine of up to $222,000. The new system will work if enough doctors, pharmacists, smokers and vapers are willing to comply and are provided with sufficient information.