Navigating the 2024 Vaping Regulation Changes: Essential Information for Australian Pharmacies

As the Australian vaping landscape prepares for significant regulatory changes in 2024, it’s crucial for pharmacies to understand and adapt to these new rules. The upcoming reforms, aimed at enhancing public health and safety, will transform how pharmacies procure and supply vaping products. This guide provides an overview of the regulatory shifts and what they mean for your pharmacy.

Key Changes in Vaping Regulations

1. Ban on Disposable Single-Use Vapes

Effective from 1 January 2024, there will be a nationwide ban on the importation of disposable single-use vapes, with only limited exceptions. This ban is a critical step towards controlling the availability and use of these products.

Existing stocks of disposable vapes imported before January 2024 may still be supplied in pharmacies adhering to specific regulatory conditions and dispensed to patients with a valid prescription.

2. Revision of the Personal Importation Scheme (PIS)

Another significant change is the discontinuation of the Personal Importation Scheme from 1 March 2024. This means importing nicotine vapes from overseas will no longer be possible, marking a pivotal shift in how vaping products are accessed in Australia.

3. Modifications to the Special Access Scheme C (SAS C)

Commencing 1 January 2024, proposed changes to the special access scheme pathways will enable medical and nurse practitioners to prescribe therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation or managing nicotine dependence. This amendment facilitates and supports legitimate patient access to therapeutic vapes without requiring pre-approval or authority from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This change is pivotal in making therapeutic vaping products more accessible through professional medical channels.

For a full overview of the upcoming changes please visit the TGA website.

Impact on Pharmacies

These regulatory changes present both challenges and opportunities for Australian pharmacies:

• Increased Demand: With the cessation of the PIS and restrictions on certain products, pharmacies may experience increased demand for compliant therapeutic vaping products.
• Need for Compliance: Pharmacies must ensure that all vaping products stocked are compliant with the new regulations, necessitating a careful selection of suppliers and products.
• Role as Primary Providers: Pharmacies will become key providers of legal, regulated vaping products, particularly for those seeking help with smoking cessation or managing nicotine dependence.
• Sourcing Vapes: Pharmacies have the authority to acquire unapproved vapes for dispensing purposes prior to obtaining prescriptions issued under the Authorised Prescriber (AP) scheme or Special Access Schemes (SAS). Unapproved vapes can be stored in the dispensary until a prescription is received. Unapproved vapes can be obtained:
  1. Through Australian sponsors and/or wholesalers. Before ordering therapeutic vapes from Australian sponsors or wholesalers, it is advisable to inquire with the sponsor or wholesaler regarding compliance with TGO 110. Dispense only those therapeutic vapes that adhere to the specifications outlined in TGO 110.
  2. Directly from overseas suppliers. When directly sourcing vapes overseas, phamracies may be deemed the Australian sponsor, responsible for import compliance, TGO 110 adherence, and record-keeping. The section on 'Record-keeping obligations for sponsors' within Guidance on TGO 110 can help pharmacies recognise whether they are recognised as the Australian sponsor for a particular product.

Preparing Your Pharmacy

To prepare for these changes, pharmacies should:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest regulatory developments on the TGA website to ensure compliance.
• Evaluate Suppliers: Assess and choose suppliers who offer compliant and high-quality vaping products.
• Educate Staff: Ensure your team is knowledgeable about the new regulations and the products you offer.

Open Your Vapelabs Wholesale Account Today

Prepare your pharmacy to comply with the new vaping regulations by accessing compliant regulated products. Register your pharmacy for a 30-day wholesale account to access the most comprehensive product selection, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly B2B platform. 

By creating an account, you will also have access to essential product information, educational materials, and training sessions for you and your team, all at no cost. Register today.