Enforcement activity on selling illegal vapes is ramping up across the country.
A crackdown on illegal vapes in the Northern Territory has resulted in about 1,700 illegal vapes being seized, and 5 fines issued to retail businesses totalling more than $93,000.
As part of ongoing joint enforcement of the Australian Government's vape reforms, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has partnered with the Northern Territory Government's NT Health and NT Police in a coordinated effort to investigate the unlawful supply of vapes and nicotine products across the NT.
The joint activity involved investigation of about 60 businesses in Darwin and Katherine.
Under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024, vapes can only be supplied by an Australian pharmacy. Other retailers such as tobacconists and convenience stores are not permitted to sell any type of vape.
From 1 July 2024, officers have been conducting visits to retail stores across multiple states and territories to educate and warn about unlawful advertising, supply, and commercial possession of vaping goods. Information is being widely circulated in all jurisdictions.
This most recent domestic activity complements action at the border. To date, more than 5.8 million vaping goods, estimated to be worth more than $174.6 million, have been seized by the Australian Border Force and TGA combined since 1 January 2024.
Further joint enforcement operations are planned across the states and territories.
Reports of non-compliance with the vape reforms can be made to the TGA at:
www.tga.gov.au/how-we-regulate/compliance-and-enforcement-hub/report-breach.
