The Australian Border Force (ABF) says changes to legislation covering nicotine vaping products means that individuals seeking to import these goods will require a doctor’s prescription.
The ABF said people would also be restricted to importing three months’ supply at one time and a maximum of 15-months’ supply in a 12-month period.
It said from the beginning of this month (October), nicotine vaping products had been reclassified as prescription-only medicines.
In a statement, the ABF advised consumers to request that their prescription be enclosed with the package at the time of purchase.
“Where the ABF identifies parcels without a prescription enclosed in the package, the goods will be referred to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for assessment,” it said.
Assistant Commissioner East and Port Operations for the ABF, Erin Dale said officers detected and seized prescription drugs and other goods controlled by the TGA at international ports every day.
“If an ABF officer suspects goods may contravene the Therapeutic Goods Act, the goods are held and referred to the TGA for assessment,” Assistant Commissioner Dale said.
“If there is no evidence provided to support lawful release, for example a prescription, these importations are deemed unlawful by the TGA and are seized by the ABF,” she said.
Assistant Commissioner Dale said questions relating to the new controls on nicotine vaping products, including compliance and enforcement programs, should be directed to the TGA.
