Import regulations are changing for Australian vapers from 1 October 2021, Australians will need to have a valid medical prescription to legally access vaping products.
Import regulations are changing for Australian vapers from 1 October 2021, Australians will need to have a valid medical prescription to legally access vaping products. This follows the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) re-classification of nicotine e-liquid to a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) substance last year.
If you have already purchased vaping products from overseas you will be familiar with the TGA Personal Importation Scheme which allows users to import nicotine e-cigarettes as long they have a doctor’s prescription. The good news is the TGA is still allowing personal importation via this scheme so you will still be able to access the brands that work for you.
However, now is a good time to ensure you will be compliant with the upcoming regulation changes by making sure your doctor’s prescription is current.
How to get a prescription?
If you don’t already have a prescription your first step should be to approach your GP as any GP can prescribe vape products as a smoking cessation tool.
If you do have difficulty obtaining a prescription for e-liquid with nicotine, the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association has a list of doctors who can help.
In some cases, you can even do the consultation online rather than going to an appointment in person, which can make the process easier and faster. QuitClinics for example offer a 100% online prescription service. The process is easy, just complete an online medical questionnaire about your smoking history and vaping habits. An Australian doctor will then review your case within 24 hours and as long as vaping is right for you, issue a 12-month prescription (vaping could be right for you if you are over 18 years old, are a current or ex-smoker and other nicotine replacement therapies haven’t worked for you).
Want more information about the coming changes?
Check out TGA’s website for more details about the coming changes and the reasons they are being made.
We’ll also include regular updates in our newsletters and on the Premium Vape websites as we have them. Also check out our Australian Prescriptions page with more details.
Please note the information provided here is for informational purposes only. We cannot and will not offer medical or legal advice. Always talk to your doctor or a health professional. Premium Vape does not endorse or recommend any third party organisations and will not be held responsible for any loss, claim or damage arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made, the failure to take medical advice or for any material on third party websites.