Non-pharmacy retailers will be prohibited from selling any type of vape brand after the Australian government released a transitional arrangement that will allow unauthorized e-cigarette companies to dispose of inventory without committing an offense.
According to the official website of the Australian Department of Health on July 19, the Australian government has issued a transition period to support national reforms to the regulation of vape brands.
The arrangements allow unauthorized e-cigarette companies to dispose of such products without committing a supply or possession offense.
The Company Returns Scheme allows companies to return vape brands that were legal before July 1, 2024, but will no longer be legal in specified quantities after July 1, 2024. When the Therapeutic Goods etc Legislation Amendment (E-cigarette Reform) Act comes into force.
The program is available to companies with more than 280 vape devices, 1,800 vape accessories, or 12,000 milliliters of e-cigarette oil.
Companies participating in the program, which applies to pharmacy and non-pharmacy retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, purchasers, exporters, and shipping or storage providers, must notify the Drug Enforcement Administration (TGA) by September 1, 2024, via email.
It is noted that pharmacies can only sell e-cigarettes that have been approved by the TGA, meet product standards, and are on the vape list.
Under the new law, non-pharmacy retailers such as tobacco stores, vape stores, or convenience stores may not stock or sell any type of e-cigarette brand, including current inventory or orders placed before July 1, 2024.
Companies must hold the relevant permit, license, consent, or other authorization from a state or territory government or TGA, or obtain other authorization, to participate in the legal supply chain for vape brands.
