Australian Border Force Seizes over 390,000 Illegal Disposables, Record High in This Year

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.27.2024
Australian Border Force Seizes over 390,000 Illegal Disposables, Record High in This Year
Australian Border Force intercepts over 390,000 e-cigarettes worth $12.4 million in Sydney, largest seizure since new laws enacted.

According to Australian media 9 News, in less than a week, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted nearly 400,000 disposable e-cigarettes entering Australia, with a total value exceeding $12.4 million Australian dollars ($8.22 million US dollars).

 

On Monday through Thursday, border security personnel conducting inspections on containers in Sydney discovered abnormal goods and confiscated nearly 400,000 e-cigarettes from three containers.

 

The Australian Border Force (ABF) reported on Monday that a total of 37,800 units of disposable e-cigarette products were found during a cargo inspection. Authorities also discovered a second container containing 18 pallets, with a total of 174,960 units of disposable e-cigarettes inside.

 

On Thursday, officials discovered 177,120 disposable e-cigarettes in the third container.

 

The total number of e-cigarettes seized in this operation reached 389,880, with an estimated black market value exceeding 12.4 million Australian dollars (8.22 million US dollars).

 

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has stated that the three shipping containers all originated from Asia. In a statement, the ABF said this was the largest interception of disposable e-cigarettes at the "border" since new laws targeting imported e-cigarette products came into effect in Australia on January 1st of this year. Asha Patwardhan, acting ABF Trade Commander, stated that border forces will continue to take strong proactive enforcement and interception measures to prioritize the health and safety of the Australian community.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Pennsylvania Vape Directory Law Survives Court Challenge From Nova Distro and Others Amid Similar Rulings Across States
Pennsylvania Vape Directory Law Survives Court Challenge From Nova Distro and Others Amid Similar Rulings Across States
A U.S. federal court upheld Pennsylvania's vape directory law on October 14, rejecting a challenge brought by Nova Distro, 101 Distributors and companies operating Tobacco Hut retail stores. Court records show that vaping accounts for about 60% of Tobacco Hut's profits and that the chain held approximately $2 million in inventory potentially subject to seizure under the law as of June 2. Pennsylvania began enforcement on October 19. The ruling follows similar appellate decisions in other states, even as new research shows that unlisted vaping products continue to account for substantial sales in states with established directories.
Regulations
Oct.22
Special Report | How Capital Is Reassessing the Global Tobacco and Modern Nicotine Industry: Lessons from a New York Forum
Special Report | How Capital Is Reassessing the Global Tobacco and Modern Nicotine Industry: Lessons from a New York Forum
Capital is reassessing the global tobacco and modern nicotine industry as heated tobacco, vaping and nicotine pouches reshape demand, profitability and regulation. At the 2026 New Approaches Summit in New York, investors and analysts examined whether smoke-free growth can sustain earnings, how regulation shapes startup value, and whether shareholder engagement can be more effective than divestment. The debate points to a broader shift: tobacco transition is increasingly becoming a capital-allocation, governance and valuation question.
Capital Markets
Oct.05
IKE Tech Launches IKE 2.0 Compliance Platform for Nicotine Products
IKE Tech Launches IKE 2.0 Compliance Platform for Nicotine Products
IKE Tech launched IKE 2.0 on September 28, initially targeting nicotine products with a platform that combines user identity verification, product authentication, configurable policy controls and data analytics. Products can be authenticated through direct device integration or NFC smart tags. IKE Tech was formed with participation from Ispire's Aspire North America, Berify and Chemular, with Ispire currently holding a 40% interest. Its age-verification component PMTA was accepted by the FDA in 2025 and remains under review. The company did not disclose customer names, commercial deployment volumes, pricing or revenue tied to IKE 2.0.
News
Sep.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Italy Proposes Earlier Vape and HTP Tax Hikes, New Rules for E-Liquid Pricing, Exclusive Deals and Distribution
Italy Proposes Earlier Vape and HTP Tax Hikes, New Rules for E-Liquid Pricing, Exclusive Deals and Distribution
Italy's proposed 2027–2029 budget would bring forward scheduled tax increases for e-cigarette liquids and heated tobacco products from January 1, 2028, to July 1, 2027. The consumption tax coefficient for nicotine-containing e-liquids would rise from 20% to 22%, that for nicotine-free liquids and applicable flavorings from 15% to 17%, and the heated-tobacco coefficient from 41% to 42%. The bill would also introduce official retail price schedules for e-liquids, restrict exclusive agreements between retailers and suppliers, and limit single-brand-dominated displays, sales incentives and bundled offers. Importing, authorized warehousing and retailer sourcing arrangements would also change. The proposals remain subject to parliamentary approval and subsequent implementing regulations.
Regulations
Nov.04
Product | Juul Labs Launches Upgraded JUUL2 Kit in UK With Four Pods at £9.99 and USB-C Charging
Product | Juul Labs Launches Upgraded JUUL2 Kit in UK With Four Pods at £9.99 and USB-C Charging
Juul Labs UK has introduced an upgraded JUUL2 Starter Kit for the UK market in October 2026, retaining a recommended retail price of £9.99 while doubling the number of included pods from two to four. The kit contains Crisp Menthol, Virginia Tobacco, Mango and Watermelon pods. The updated device replaces the previous proprietary charging dock with a USB-C port and offers longer battery life. The kit also features reduced packaging and retains a two-year limited warranty. Distribution is scheduled through major UK retailers, wholesalers, convenience stores and the JUUL UK website.
product
Oct.15
Product | Philip Morris Japan Teams Up With Renowned French Audio Brand DEVIALET for Limited-Edition IQOS Priced 60% Above Standard Model
Product | Philip Morris Japan Teams Up With Renowned French Audio Brand DEVIALET for Limited-Edition IQOS Priced 60% Above Standard Model
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) launched the limited-edition IQOS ILUMA i PRIME Soundsorial Model in collaboration with French audio brand DEVIALET on October 1, 2026. Featuring sound-wave patterns, a silver-and-black finish and a gradient holder, the heated tobacco device is priced at JPY 15,980, including tax, and is available at four IQOS stores in Japan. According to Japanese media citing a PMJ representative, about 1,900 units were allocated to the Japanese retail market. A separate Soundsorial Collection, combining the device with DEVIALET Gemini II earbuds, includes 440 sets allocated to Japan for a membership prize draw.
product
Oct.23