AMA applauds government’s strong action on vaping

The AMA has applauded the federal government for moving quickly to implement initial changes to protect Australians from the harms of vaping.

The importation of disposable single use vapes will be banned from 1 January next year as part of phased reforms to tackle the critical public health issue of vaping.

AMA President Professor Steve Robson said the changes would prevent a new generation of people becoming addicted to nicotine.

“The AMA has advocated for years for the introduction of stronger, strictly enforced regulation of vapes, and we applaud the measures announced by Health Minister Mark Butler,” Professor Robson said.

The AMA also welcomed the introduction of the new Special Access Scheme pathway for doctors to prescribe vapes, which will facilitate improved access for Australians when there is a clinically appropriate need.

From March next year, there will be a new requirement for therapeutic vape importers and manufacturers to notify the Therapeutic Goods Administration of their product’s compliance with relevant standards.

There will also be a requirement for importers to obtain a licence and permit from the Australian Government’s Office of Drug Control before the products are imported.

The AMA thoroughly welcomes the federal government’s decisive action on vaping and will work to support the required regulatory and legislative changes.