The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), in collaboration with Victoria Police, seized approximately 40,000 Australian dollars (approximately US$30,000) worth of illegal vapes, along with illegal tobacco and cash, from a retail store in a prime location in Melbourne’s central business district. The store in question is suspected of violating relevant laws. Australia has strict penalties for illegal vapes, and from July 1, 2024. Vapes can only be sold through pharmacies, making all advertising illegal.
Key Points:
- Seizure Details: The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and police seized 40,000 Australian dollars (approximately US$30,000) worth of illegal vapes, along with illegal tobacco and cash, from a retail store in a prime location in Melbourne’s central business district.
- Legal Basis: The store in question violated the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, which prohibits various non-therapeutic vape-related practices.
- Penalties: Individuals face fines of up to 2.31 million Australian dollars (approximately US$1.51 million), and companies face fines of up to 23.1 million Australian dollars (approximately US$15.15 million), and may face criminal charges.
- New regulations require that, starting July 1, 2024, vapes will only be sold in pharmacies, and all advertising will be illegal.
- Investigation and enforcement results: Since January 2024, over 10.7 million illegal vapes have been seized, valued at A$535 million (approximately US$400 million), and fines exceeding A$1.3 million (approximately US$850,000) have been imposed.
Illegal vapes seized in Melbourne, Australia
According to a report by Retail World on August 14th, to combat the illegal vape trade. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with the assistance of Victoria Police, seized approximately A$40,000 (approximately US$30,000) worth of illegal vapes from a retail store in a prime location in Melbourne’s central business district. Victoria Police also seized illegal tobacco and cash.
Legal Basis
The store was accused of illegally advertising and selling vape products to the public, in violation of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The Australian government’s vape reform policy prohibits the import, manufacture, supply, advertising, and possession of non-therapeutic vapes. Any retailer selling vape products is unlawful.
Professor Anthony Lawler, Director of the TGA, said:
- “These actions demonstrate that the TGA and other relevant agencies take public complaints seriously and are committed to combating this type of illegal activity. Ensuring that vapes are sold legally only through pharmacies while strengthening smoking cessation support will allow people to safely access therapeutic vapes to alleviate nicotine dependence and smoking problems.”
Investigation and enforcement results
Since January 2024. The TGA and Australian Border Force have seized over 10.7 million illegal vapes worth AUD 535 million (approximately US$400 million) and imposed fines of over AUD 1.3 million (approximately US$850,000) related to illegal vape activity.
Violations carry severe penalties:
Individuals may face fines of up to AUD 2.31 million (approximately US$1.51 million), and corporations may face fines of up to AUD 23.1 million (approximately US$15.15 million). Serious violations can lead to criminal charges. With fines of up to AUD 1.65 million (approximately US$1.08 million), or seven years’ imprisonment.
New regulations require that
All vape advertising will be illegal from July 1, 2024. Vapes can only be sold through pharmacies, and are not allowed in tobacco shops or convenience stores, even with a prescription.
