Hi Aussie Fam,
Below is some information outlining the recent announcements regarding the importation of nicotine in Australia taken from the TGA website itself.
From 1 October 2021, the law for Australian consumers to import nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine will align with the law for them to buy such products domestically. Closing a gap between Commonwealth and state and territory law, the decision announced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (the TGA) today, clarifies that consumers will require a doctor’s prescription to legally access nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine in Australia.
This aligns with current domestic restrictions under State and Territory law that prohibit the supply of nicotine containing e-cigarettes in Australia without a valid medical prescription.
This decision, announced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today, aims to prevent adolescents and young adults from taking-up nicotine e-cigarettes while allowing current smokers to access these products for smoking cessation on their doctor’s advice.
Consumers can continue to import nicotine e-cigarettes to assist with smoking cessation with a doctor’s prescription. Consumers will also be able to obtain nicotine e-cigarettes from local pharmacies and Australian based on-line pharmacies, with a prescription from an Authorised Prescriber or under the TGA Special Access Scheme. The requirement for a prescription will provide an opportunity for consumers to receive advice from their doctor on smoking cessation in the context of their overall health management.
The decision follows two rounds of public consultation during 2020. As for all decisions of this type, the decision was made by a senior medical officer at the TGA as a Delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Health. It is not a decision of the Government or the Minister.
Under existing state and territory laws, the sale of nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine without a prescription, is illegal throughout Australia. Additionally, the possession or use of these products without a prescription is illegal in all states and territories except South Australia. The decision today means that importing nicotine e-cigarette products from overseas websites without a valid doctor’s prescription will be illegal.
In response to concerns regarding the safety and quality of some nicotine e-cigarettes and e-cigarette fluids, a public consultation will be undertaken in February 2021 on product safety and quality standards. The consultation will be informed by existing international standards for nicotine e-cigarettes. Child resistant closures for liquid nicotine will also become mandatory to reduce the risk to children of accidental ingestion. This is consistent with many other countries.
In the coming months there will be a wide range of educational and communication resources to support health professionals and consumers on the changes. The TGA website, which will be updated regularly, includes more information for consumers and health professionals about the changes.
Consumers who may be affected by these changes are encouraged to speak to their medical practitioner regarding potential options ahead of the 1 October 2021 implementation date.
Consumers are reminded that while importation may be permitted until 1 October 2021, possession in most States and Territories without a prescription is currently illegal.
Individuals attempting to import commercial quantities of nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine may be subject to importation and seizure of products and potential fines under existing regulation.
What does this mean for Aussie vapers?
As highlighted above, in a nutshell you will need a prescription from your Doctor to “legally” import nicotine from overseas from the 1st October, meaning you can still purchase online from Mixology Vape or any other international seller from this date onward. We have no doubt that there will be further changes before this time and we will keep you updated as always.
