Australia has taken a firm stance against nicotine addiction among youth by announcing a ban on the import of disposable vapes effective from January.
The move aims to tackle the rising trend of vaping among young people and curtail the potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes.
Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the concerning surge in nicotine dependency among the younger population, stating, “All Australian governments are committed to working together to stop the disturbing growth in vaping among our young people.”
The ban extends to the manufacture, advertisement, and supply of single-use vapes within the country, reflecting a broader initiative to phase out recreational vaping altogether.
Vapes, powered by lithium batteries and containing nicotine-infused liquids, have become a subject of worry due to their accessibility and appeal to teenagers.
Recent studies from the University of Sydney and Australia’s Cancer Council revealed alarming statistics: a significant percentage of teenagers aged 14-17 have experimented with vaping, and the majority found it easy to access these products.
To combat this trend, the Australian government is set to impose a ban on disposable vapes starting January 1, with further restrictions planned for March.
The upcoming regulations will not only restrict disposable vapes but also mandate compliance for therapeutic vapes, dictating specific regulations for flavors, nicotine concentrations, and packaging.