Australia has recently introduced stringent new regulations governing the importation of vaping products. These changes make a significant shift in the country’s approach to vaping, and if you’re a vaping enthusiast or a vaping business, it’s absolutely vital that you understand what these changes are and how they affect you.
The New Vaping Product Importation Regulations In Australia
As of 1 January 2024, the importation of all disposable vapes into Australia will be fully prohibited. As of 1 March 2024, the importation of all non-therapeutic vapes will be banned. This includes all disposable vapes and vaping products that do not have therapeutic purposes, such as those that are used for general vaping for enjoyment rather than to help smoking cessation or ease nicotine dependence under medical supervision. Even if these products were ordered before this date and they have not yet arrived in Australia, their importation will still be illegal.
These changes were introduced to address the health risks that are associated with vaping. The goal is to curb the use of non-therapeutic vapes, especially among younger demographics who may find vaping appealing due to its lower risk compared to smoking. The Australian government aims to reduce nicotine addiction and other health issues related to vaping with these stringent regulations.
The main two dates to take note of are:
- 1 January 2024. From this date, the importation of disposable vapes will be prohibited, regardless of nicotine content or therapeutic claims.
- 1 March 2024. From this date, the importation of all non-therapeutic vapes will be banned, including those ordered before this date but are set to arrive after.
However, it’s important to note that there are some minor exceptions – international travellers who are carrying small quantities of therapeutic vapes for personal use, or for the usage of someone under their care, are allowed to carry their vapes as long as they are intended for therapeutic or medical use.
For further information, you can read more about the specifics of these regulations here.
What This Means For Us And Our Customers
For us at Mixology Vape, this means that we can no longer send vaping goods to our Australian customers. We understand that these changes may raise several questions for valued Australian customers, and we’d be glad to help you thoroughly understand anything you’re wondering about, such as:
What happens if I ordered my vape products before 1 March 2024, but they haven’t arrived yet? Unfortunately, any non-therapeutic vape goods that arrive in Australia after this date will be considered illegal.
Is vaping illegal in Australia now? If you still want to use vaping products, don’t worry; these regulations do not make the act of vaping itself illegal in Australia. These regulations primarily target the importation of non-therapeutic and disposable vapes.
Can I still buy vapes locally from Australian stores? Yes, you can still purchase certain vaping products from local stores. Non-nicotine vapes that do not have any therapeutic claims can still be sold in standard retail stores, including local AU vape shops, provided they comply with all applicable laws.
What are therapeutic vapes? Therapeutic vapes are vapes that are prescribed for certain therapeutic reasons, such as helping individuals stop smoking or managing an existing nicotine dependence. As of 1 January 2024, these helpful vapes can be prescribed by qualified doctors and nurse practitioners, and they can be available in pharmacies.
Can international travellers bring vapes into Australia? International travellers can bring a small quantity of vapes as long as they are for therapeutic use, such as for those quitting smoking or handling a nicotine addiction. Travellers can carry the vapes for themselves or for a travelling companion that is under their care. This exception is designed to ensure that those undergoing treatment for their dependencies can continue their therapy uninterrupted, avoiding relapses and disrupting their personal health journeys.
What should retailers do with their existing stock? Vape retailers are still allowed to sell their existing stock of non-therapeutic vapes that do not contain nicotine or make any therapeutic claims. However, they must still stay compliant with all relevant laws.
Moving Ahead In Accordance With These Regulations
These new regulations on vaping products mark a significant shift aimed at addressing health concerns regarding vaping. For us at Mixology Vape, this means adapting to ensure compliance and supporting our customers through these changes. Although we can no longer send vaping goods to our appreciated Australian customers, we greatly thank you for your past support and your understanding of these changes.
However, just because we can no longer send vaping goods to Australia doesn’t mean we don’t have helpful resources for vaping enthusiasts in Australia and all over the world – our website still contains very useful tutorials, information and tools that you can access. This includes information about nicotine mixing charts, mixing calculators and various video tutorials that you may find helpful.
If you have any further questions for us, our friendly team would be glad to help you. Contact us on sales@mixologyvape.co.nz or reach us through our contact page.
We at Mixology Vape greatly appreciate your understanding.
