SA Health has launched a two-month enforcement blitz searching out the illegal sales of nicotine vapes and targeting the sale of nicotine.
Authorised officers from SA health are to conduct random visits on retailers that sell vapes including convenience stores, service stations and barber shops.
According to the Government, stringent new licence conditions make it clear that selling nicotine e-cigarettes is already illegal and retailers are required to show proof that vaping products being sold are nicotine-free.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton said retailers would also need to provide information about their e-cigarette suppliers, importers or manufacturers that will enable products to be traced.
“Retailers are being put on notice with a month’s warning before the new conditions, under the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Act (TEP Act), come into force on 10 July 2023,” Mr Picton said.
“To coincide with the new conditions, retailers will be targeted under a two-month enforcement blitz,” he said.
Mr Picton said previous enforcement blitzes over the past year resulted in the seizure of about 15,000 illegal nicotine vapes, including from unlicensed premises, as well as 17 fines issued and three licences cancelled.
“The new conditions are an interim measure, while the Federal Government works through its plans to stop the importation of non-prescription e-cigarettes and the banning of vapes in retail settings and single-use disposable vapes, announced last month,” he said.
He said to ensure vaping products were nicotine-free, licence holders under the TEP Act must:
* Immediately cease selling or storing nicotine vaping products;
* Obtain and maintain proof from suppliers their products are nicotine-free;
* Arrange laboratory testing if their supplier cannot or will not;
* Maintain relevant documentation of the supplier so products can be traced;
* Train staff and supervise on requirements of the TEP Act;
*Display their TEP Act licence, in a visible place on the premises.
Any licensed retailer found breaching the conditions risks penalties of up to $10,000 and any person or retailer found selling or supplying e-cigarette products or tobacco without a licence faces penalties of up to $20,000.
More information can be accessed at this PS News link.
