By Monte Bovill, political reporter
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has described vaping as a "major public health issue" amid the crackdown. Photo: 123RF
Single-use vapes will be banned from being imported into Australia from the beginning of next year as part of the federal government's vaping crackdown.
Health Minister Mark Butler has described vaping as a "major public health issue" and earlier this year announced stronger regulations and stricter controls around the importation and sale of vapes.
The government has confirmed the first stage of its crackdown will begin on 1 January, when a ban on the importation of disposable single-use vapes will commence.
A new process for doctors and nurses to prescribe vapes will also take effect, which the government says will improve access to therapeutic vapes.
Butler said vaping was creating a "whole new generation of nicotine dependency in our community".
"Vaping was sold to governments and communities around the world as a therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit. It was not sold as a recreational product - especially not one targeted to our kids - but that is what it has become," he said.
"All Australian governments are committed to working together to stop the disturbing growth in vaping among our young people."
In 2021, the federal government made it illegal for any Australian to purchase or import nicotine vapes or e-cigarettes without a prescription from a doctor, but despite that, vaping rates have soared.
A recent study of more than 4000 teenagers found one in four had vaped, while research by Cancer Victoria shows that about one in seven people between 14 and 17 and one in five people aged between 18 and 24 are current vapers.
As part of the reforms, the importation of refillable non-therapeutic vapes will be banned from March next year.
Australians will also be blocked from being able to personally import therapeutic vapes from overseas, while therapeutic vape importers and manufacturers will have to report on how their products comply with certain standards.
Tighter rules around flavours, nicotine concentration levels and packaging will also be enforced, but the government says there will be a transition period for businesses to comply with the new requirements.
The government will also introduce legislation in 2024 to prevent the domestic manufacture, advertisement, supply and commercial possession of non-therapeutic and disposable single-use vapes.
Butler said the action was aimed at turning the tide against the rising use of vapes by young Australians but admitted the plan was not perfect.
"Like all other illegal drugs, there will no doubt be some vapes that get into the country but they will no longer be easy for school children, our most vulnerable and impressionable members of society, to get their hands on them," he said.
"The great majority of vapes contain nicotine and children are becoming addicted. Vaping is a gateway to smoking and smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Australia."
- This story was first published by the ABC