The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will reflect on the changes to the regulation of vaping goods in Australia, 12 months following implementation.

In 2024, the TGA progressed legislative changes, prohibiting the importation, manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertising of single-use disposable vapes, and to regulate all vaping products as therapeutic goods. The new Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024 introduced a range of restrictions, notably restricting the sale of all vapes, regardless of nicotine content, to exclusively through pharmacies, and prohibit their advertising unless authorised by the TGA.

In Australia, there are positive early signs. Recent Generation Vape research indicates an increase in awareness of the harms of vaping among adolescents, parents and teachers is contributing to reduced vaping and smoking.

This discussion will provide an overview of:
• how the reforms have changed the regulation of vapes in Australia.
• the combined enforcement and compliance efforts of the TGA, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and states and territories, who are working together to enforce the reforms and to combat unlawful import and trade of vaping goods.
• the regulation of vaping goods and the introduction of product standards for therapeutic vapes.
• the communication of the new laws and regulations to a broad range of stakeholders including industry, health practitioners and consumers to ensure they are fully informed of the regulatory changes, and that they are supported with updated clinical guidance, training, and resources to support smoking and vaping cessation.
• new and emerging challenges, including the rise in novel nicotine products.

This session will help health practitioners, industry representatives and other interested stakeholders to better understand the regulatory framework underpinning vaping goods and the work being undertaken to deliver these reforms to protect Australians' health now and into the future.