Sydney, Australia, July 1 (EFE). – Australia became the first country to restrict the sale of vapes to pharmacies when a law to combat smoking came into effect on Monday, stipulating sentences of up to seven years in prison and million dollar fines.
The law forces people, who want a therapeutic vape, to consult their GP and obtain a prescription to buy a therapeutic device from pharmacies.
These products, whose access will be tightly controlled, will have plain packaging and their flavors will be limited to menthol and mint.
“Australia has led the world in pushing back on Big Tobacco and fighting for the health of our citizens and we’re proud to continue that effort,” Australian Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neil said in a statement released on Monday.
Consumers over 18 years of age will be allowed to buy vapes with a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml without a prescription until Oct. 1.
Under the new reforms, businesses or individuals selling vapes will face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a fine of up to AU$2.2 million ($1.47 million) while companies that produce them would be subject to a maximum fine of around AU$22 million.
The new laws are part of the Australian government’s effort to reduce the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and eliminate their recreational use.
The measures are part of amendments to the Therapeutic and Other Products (Vaping Reforms) Legislation 2024, which prohibits importing, manufacturing, distributing, and commercial possessing these devices, except with a license and special permit.
To reinforce the fight against vaping, the Australian government appointed Erin Dale as Commissioner for Tobacco and Illicit Electronic Cigarettes.
Dale will assume the position on an interim basis on Monday until a formal appointment is made to intensify the fight against nicotine products on the black market.
“Illegal tobacco is no different to any other illegal product – if you attempt to bring it into our country you will be met by the full force of our border protection agencies,” O’Neil said.
The measure reinforces Australia’s control over the use of vaping devices among young people.
In 2012, Australia became the first country to require tobacco companies to sell their products in simple packaging with health warnings. EFE
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