From 1 October 2021, nicotine vaping products are prescription only medicines within Schedule 4 of the Poisons Standard.
This means that individuals seeking to import these goods will require a doctor’s prescription and are restricted to importing three months’ supply at one time, and a maximum of 15-months’ supply in a 12-month period.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the import, supply and advertising of nicotine vaping products such as e-cigarettes, and liquids containing nicotine for use with e-cigarettes under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Each state and territory also regulates domestic supply and possession of nicotine vaping products.
Consumers are advised to request that their prescription be enclosed with the package at the time of purchase. Where the ABF identifies parcels without a prescription enclosed in the package, the goods will be referred to the TGA for assessment.
ABF Assistant Commissioner East and Port Operations Erin Dale said ABF officers detect and seize prescription drugs and other goods controlled by the TGA at our international ports every day.
“If an ABF officer suspects goods may contravene the Therapeutic Goods Act, the goods are held and referred to the TGA for assessment,” AC Dale said.
“If there is no evidence provided to support lawful release, for example a prescription, these importations are deemed unlawful by TGA and are seized by the ABF.”
Further questions relating to the 1 October 2021 controls on nicotine vaping products, including compliance and enforcement programs, should be directed to the TGA.
Additional information is available on the TGA’s nicotine vaping products hub at https://www.tga.gov.au/nicotine-vaping-products.
