A TWO-DAY joint enforcement operation between the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Queensland Health has resulted in the seizure of over 10,000 nicotine pouches and hundreds of illicit vaping goods.
The operation included TGA warrants, supported by Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Services, targeting three retail tobacconists in Bundaberg suspected of unlawfully possessing vapes.
Additionally, TGA and Queensland Health officers inspected six retailers in the Wide Bay region.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler praised the operation saying, "these joint enforcement activities between the TGA and Queensland Health demonstrate the strong approach being taken to enforce the new vaping laws".
"This is a positive example of the joint commitment that the Commonwealth and states and territories have made to detect and disrupt the illegal supply of vapes."
The seized vapes allegedly violate the new commercial possession laws under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024, which came into effect on 01 Jul.
These laws make it illegal for Australian retailers to supply any vapes, even with a prescription, and generally ban possession of vapes in retail premises.
Penalties for unlawful activities related to vaping goods include seizure, loss of product, and fines.
The public face of the TGA, Deputy Secretary, Prof Tony Lawler (pictured), spoke on Fri at the PSA24 conference, reassuring the profession that the responsibility to ensure a vape product is safe for the public does not solely lie with community pharmacists.
He highlighted the strict controls around vape concentrations, flavours, and colours, and noted that vapes are being removed from retail settings to ensure they are managed by health professionals.
Lawler added that the Therapeutic Goods Order 100 will ensure the quality and safety of therapeutic vape products.
He acknowledged the challenge for pharmacists in assessing unregistered products but noted that regulatory reforms and strengthened border controls help manage imports.
"These products must be managed as therapeutic goods, which is why they are not sold in retail settings," Lawler commented.
He emphasised that only vapes compliant with TGA standards can be imported and sold in Australia. JG
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