In Australia,Ā From 1 October 2021,Ā it is illegal to sell or purchase nicotine e-cigarettes and e-liquids without a prescription. This effectively creates a de facto ban on the sale and use of nicotine-containing vaping products in the country.
The regulations on vaping in Australia are strict and heavily enforced. In some states, it is also illegal to use e-cigarettes in public places or indoor spaces, such as bars and restaurants. These regulations are intended to prevent the use of e-cigarettes by young people and to protect public health.
The Australian government has taken a cautious approach to vaping, citing concerns about the potential health risks of e-cigarettes and the possibility of their use as a gateway to smoking. However, some advocates argue that this strict stance on vaping is counterproductive, as it limits access to a potentially useful tool for smoking cessation.
In 2021, there was a proposal to legalize the sale of nicotine e-cigarettes and e-liquids in Australia, but this was ultimately rejected by the government. As of now, the sale and use of nicotine-containing vaping products remain illegal in Australia, with penalties for violating these regulations ranging from fines to imprisonment.