Australian authorities seize $30,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes in Melbourne crackdown

Key Points:

Seizure Details: The TGA and Victoria Police confiscated illegal e-cigarettes, illegal tobacco, and cash from the store.

Legal Basis: The store violated the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The Australian government prohibits multiple non-therapeutic e-cigarette activities.

Penalties: Individuals face fines of up to AUD 2.31 million (approx. USD 1.51 million), companies up to AUD 23.1 million (approx. USD 15.15 million), or criminal prosecution.

New Regulations: Since July 1, 2024, e-cigarettes can only be sold through pharmacies, and all advertising is illegal.

Enforcement Outcomes: Since January 2024, over 10.7 million illegal e-cigarettes valued at AUD 535 million (approx. USD 400 million) have been seized, with fines exceeding AUD 1.3 million (approx. USD 850,000).

According to Retail World on August 14, the TGA, with assistance from Victoria Police, seized illegal e-cigarettes worth approximately AUD 40,000 (USD 30,000) from a retail store in a prime location of Melbourne’s central business district. Victoria Police also confiscated illegal tobacco and cash.

The store was found to have promoted and sold e-cigarette products in violation of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Australia’s e-cigarette reform policy prohibits the import, manufacture, supply, advertising, and possession of non-therapeutic e-cigarettes. Any retailer selling e-cigarette products is acting illegally.

Professor Anthony Lawler, Director of the TGA, stated: “These actions demonstrate that the TGA and related agencies take public complaints seriously and are committed to combating illegal activity. Ensuring e-cigarettes are legally sold only through pharmacies, while strengthening smoking cessation support, allows people to safely access therapeutic e-cigarettes to manage nicotine dependence and smoking issues.”

Since January 2024, the TGA and the Australian Border Force have seized more than 10.7 million illegal e-cigarettes, valued at AUD 535 million (approx. USD 400 million), and imposed fines exceeding AUD 1.3 million (approx. USD 850,000) related to illegal e-cigarette activities.

Violators face strict penalties: individuals can be fined up to AUD 2.31 million (USD 1.51 million), companies up to AUD 23.1 million (USD 15.15 million); in severe cases, criminal charges may be applied, with maximum fines of AUD 1.65 million (USD 1.08 million) or imprisonment up to seven years.

Since July 1, 2024, all e-cigarette advertising is illegal. E-cigarettes may only be sold through pharmacies, and tobacco shops and convenience stores are prohibited from selling them, even with a prescription.