Both the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Government announced on 21 December 2020 their biding decision that from 1 October 2021, consumers importing and accessing nicotine will require a doctor’s prescription.

The Government will allow importation of nicotine vapes and e-liquid for consumers who hold a prescription and they will also allow local pharmacies to sell these products in Australia.

The Government will develop a Telehealth Smoking Cessation option for doctors to easily prescribe nicotine. This will be available 6 months prior to the 1 October 2021 implementation date which should allow consumers enough time to obtain their prescription for nicotine before the deadline.

Adult consumers will therefore be able to continue using nicotine e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid based on their doctor’s advice and they will be able to purchase nicotine e-cigarettes from overseas, online or, from local pharmacies, with a prescription.

Read the TGA announcement here. 

Read the Government announcement here.