E-cigarettes in Australia only in pharmacies

Health policy - E-cigarettes in Australia only in pharmacies

In Australia, E-Cigarettes can only be sold from pharmacies, in plain packaging and without flavorings as of this Monday. The strict new rules announced by the government last year came into effect. Pharmacists are required to inform their customers about health risks before selling vapes. Minors under 18 years old need a prescription.

"We take these reforms seriously because they are of crucial importance for the health of young Australians," said Health Minister Mark Butler. Electronic cigarettes are a serious threat to public health. "They are a tool of the tobacco industry designed to attract a new generation to nicotine addiction." At the same time, the government appointed a commissioner to combat illegally imported E-Cigarettes and tobacco products.

Last year, Butler announced: "No more gum-like flavors, no pink bunny ears or E-Cigarettes disguised as markers, so children can hide them in their pencil cases." Only simple packaging without exotic flavors is allowed.

What are the rules in Germany?

Disposable E-Cigarettes are controversial in Germany, especially due to their poor environmental balance. Since January 1, there has been a partial advertising ban, including on outdoor advertising and the internet. It has been forbidden to sell vapes to children and minors under 18 years old since 2016.

Belgium intends to be the first country in Europe to introduce a general sales ban: From January 1, 2025, disposable E-Cigarettes will disappear from store shelves.

1. In response to these health concerns, the Australian government believes that children should be protected from the potential harm of flavoring agents in cigarette alternatives, such as E-cigarettes.
2. The strict health policy in Australia now prohibits the sale of E-cigarettes with flavorings, and this policy is supported by Health Minister Mark Butler and the pharmacy sector.
3. The Australian government's new policy on E-cigarettes, enforced in pharmacies from this Monday, also requires pharmacists to warn customers about the health risks associated with vaping, including nicotine addiction, which is seen as a concern for children's health.
4. The Australian government, based in Canberra, recognizes that children are a vulnerable group and that e-cigarettes, like cigarettes, can have harmful effects on their health.
5. In light of the concerns about the impact of flavoring agents in E-cigarettes on children's health, the Australian government has taken a firm stance to protect young people and has implemented stricter regulations on the sale of E-cigarettes, including limiting their availability to pharmacies.

Read also:

• Severe flooding continues in southern Germany.
• Floods continue to pose a major threat in southern Germany.
• Rising floods in the southern regions
• Floods: water levels remain critical in many places