The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced (Wednesday 23rd September 2020) its proposed interim decision to reclassify nicotine as a prescription only medication from June 2021. This interim decision is open for public consultation with the final decision to be made by mid December 2020.

What does this mean for vapers?
The proposed changes mean that while consumers would still be able to use the ‘personal importation scheme’ under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to order online from their usual supplier, vapers, would however, be required to have a prescription to do so.

Vapers would still be able to order 3 months’ supply of e-cigarettes containing nicotine and order a maximum amount of 15 months’ supply in 12 months. Consumers would also be able to obtain nicotine for vaping from their your local community pharmacy.

The proposed changes would make it illegal to possess nicotine for vaping without a prescription from an Australian-registered medical practitioner.

The TGA's flowchart diagram below shows how this proposed decision would work and you will see you can continue to order from online websites like ours.

We are in the process working towards securing distribution through the Australian pharmacy option in case this decision becomes final. 

Please note: The interim decision on nicotine scheduling is a separate process from the Australian Government’s proposed prohibition on the importation of e-cigarettes containing vaporiser nicotine

We will keep you posted on any updates, please contact us if you have any questions.