Queensland individual fined nearly $16,000 after allegedly importing unregistered nicotine vaping products

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued six infringement notices totalling $15,984 to an individual in Queensland for the alleged unlawful importation of nicotine vaping products.

The importer owns a tobacco store in Queensland which has been the subject of a Queensland Health operation, where the TGA assisted.

It is alleged that the individual attempted to import six different types of nicotine vaping products (prescription medicines) that were not approved by the regulator nor were they registered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). In addition, the products were tested by the TGA laboratories and found to be non-compliant with TGO 110 – the Standard for Nicotine Vaping Products.

The unapproved nicotine vaping products were intercepted by the Australian Border Force and have been seized and will be destroyed under advice from the TGA.

Nicotine vaping products that are not imported or supplied under a TGA approved pathway pose a significant public health risk, with many tested by the TGA laboratories found to contain dangerous and undeclared chemicals.

Unregulated nicotine vaping products are a growing concern in the Australian community due to their availability and increased use, particularly among adolescents and young people, with associated health risks, including nicotine addiction, nicotine poisoning, exposure to toxins, and serious injuries and burns.

On 2 May 2023, the Minister for Health and Aged Care announced that the Australian Government is taking strong action to combat the supply of unlawful vaping products. The TGA will strengthen enforcement action in relation to non-compliance with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and is working with the Australian Border Force and the states and territories to increase enforcement, including at the border.

If you suspect non-compliance in relation to therapeutic goods, you can report illegal or questionable practices online to the TGA.

The TGA encourages the reporting of suspected non-compliant advertising.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400