The newly introduced reforms are targeted towards curbing nicotine based vaping. It doesn’t interfere with legitimate patient needs for smoking cessation medication.
TGA Authorization and Disposable Vapes
It doesn’t matter how high or low the nicotine content or even therapeutic claims, the ban takes into account all kinds of disposable vapes. Only a TGA authorised prescriber can recommend disposable vapes supported by patient prescriptions.
The Special Access Scheme C Pathway
Starting March 2024, all non-therapeutic vape imports are prohibited, including the ones under personal importation scheme. In other words, no patient even with a prescription can order vapes from abroad anymore.
Non-therapeutic, non-nicotine vapes imported before March 2024 can be sold by vape suppliers.
The Way Forward For Australian Vape Retailers
All therapeutic vapes either manufactured or imported before March 2024, can still be supplied by pharmacists. However, the vapes must meet the product standards applicable during that time. It’s a welcome decision that will allow seamless supply of therapeutic vapes and keep running the businesses for several retailers. Local liquid lab brands like Ocenea Liquids continue to supply cleanroom ejuice to retailers which seems to be the only viable option.
Further, therapeutic vapes with medicinal cannabis will follow a different regulation.
In all probability, there will be new standards for private label e liquid manufacturing, particularly for therapeutic vapes with reduced permissible nicotine concentrations.
