Since new vape import regulations took effect on 01 January 2024, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has stopped hundreds of thousands of illegal disposable vapes and vape products from entering the Australian community. In two separate manoeuvres during April, ABF officers in Brisbane seized more than 80,000 vape devices, while in Melbourne a joint operation between the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police identified and detained nearly 500,000 vapes.
So far this year, the ABF has detected more than 4,603 consignments and seized more than 611,000 vape products nationally, with an estimated street value in excess of $16.7 million, in addition to more than 76,080 vape accessories.
The bust in Melbourne is the largest detection of vapes in a single joint operation.
Since new vape import regulations took effect, ABF officers in Queensland have stopped almost 180,000 vape devices and 25,000 vape products from entering Australia. This figure includes the seizure of more than 80,000 mentioned above.
In Queensland, ABF officers made the following seizures of vapes in April:
– On 9 April, two sea cargo consignments containing 28,600 vapes;
– On 11 April, a sea cargo consignment containing 8,160 vapes;
– On 12 April, two sea cargo consignments containing 20,800 vapes; and
– On 17 April, three sea cargo consignments containing 23,200 vapes.
Vaping and tobacco companies try every trick in the book to sneak their goods into the country, which are often disguised and declared as highlighter pens or USB sticks.
It is known that the vast majority of vapes contain highly addictive nicotine. With flavours such as blueberry, mango and cola, and packaging featuring cartoon characters, they are deliberately marketed towards children and young adults.
The ABF has been working proactively with officials in several countries to prevent the export of vapes to Australia, where it is permissible under the domestic laws of that country.
Last month, a New Zealand online vape seller taunted the Australian government over its vaping reforms, telling customers “we have no intention of stopping” vape shipments because of “one twat in Canberra,” presumably in reference to the Federal health minister, Mark Butler.
The legislation regulates vaping products as a therapeutic good, banning the importation, manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertisement of disposable single use and non-therapeutic vapes.
Penalties for the illegal importation or supply of counterfeit or unapproved therapeutic goods is up to five years’ imprisonment and/or a financial penalty of up to $1.25 million.
Vapes containing nicotine can continue to be prescribed as an aid in smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence, where clinically appropriate.
The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 specifically targets commercial and criminal actors involved in the illicit supply of vapes. It includes a ban on advertising, including on social media where vaping goods are targeted at children and young people.
Also see our recent related article, First Big Bust Under New Vape Import Laws.
For information about import regulations and restrictions, contact us here at Colless Young. As Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, we offer you correct, professional advice on your import and export cargo, by air or sea. We are based in Brisbane and handle your shipping and transport needs, including Customs clearance & quarantine procedures, warehousing and trucking – at all Australian ports and airports.
