In news announced by the Australian Department of Health on November 7th, a joint operation conducted by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has resulted in the seizure of over 35 tons of e-cigarette products suspected of containing nicotine.
The confiscated products were alleged to have been illegally imported and falsely labeled as “nicotine-free”. However, laboratory tests conducted by the TGA revealed that the products did contain nicotine.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) estimates that over 92%, or approximately 376,000, of e-cigarette products weighing over 35 tons are illegal, with a market value exceeding AUD 11 million.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has stated that at least 68% of the e-cigarettes in question are disposable, with the majority of them being brands previously found to violate the minimum safety and quality standards for nicotine e-cigarette products. In a laboratory test conducted by the TGA, 287 samples were examined, with 85% found to contain nicotine.
ABF and TGA are closely cooperating with states and territories to combat the illegal e-cigarette products in accordance with current regulatory laws.
Australian Health Minister Butler said, “I commend the TGA and ABF for removing a significant number of e-cigarettes from the Australian market, most importantly, removing them from the hands of young people in Australia.
