It is clearly not the decision of the year for Australian vapers but it is a real beginning of consideration for vaping in the country. Following the scandal of the ban on the importation of vaping products announced a few days ago, the Minister of Health, Greg Hunt yesterday launched a statement to allay tensions and concerns on the subject.
A 6-MONTH EXTENDED IMPLEMENTATION TIME!
In an official statement released yesterday by the Minister of Health, Greg Hunt, the beginning of an explanation concerning the import ban and the compulsory orders appears.
Australian medical experts, including the AHPPC, have warned of the health dangers of electronic cigarettes. These advisories comply with the ban in force in all states and territories on the sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine.
The smoking rate in Australia has declined significantly over the past two decades, from 22,3% in 2001 to 13,8% in 2017-18. But the latest statistics show that smoking has still contributed to around 21 deaths. That is why we need to further reduce these smoking rates.
In particular, around the world, we have found that non-smokers are first introduced to nicotine with vaping. Therefore, the government is responding to the advisory by ensuring that e-cigarettes containing nicotine can only be imported with a doctor's prescription. This will help prevent nicotine consumption by non-smokers through vaping.
However, we have a second group of people who use these e-cigarettes with nicotine as a way to quit smoking. In order to help this group continue to end this addiction, we will be giving more time to implement the change by establishing a streamlined process for patients seeking prescriptions from their GP.
For this reason, the implementation deadline will be extended by six months until January 1, 2021. People should always consult their doctor on these health issues and ensure that the e-cigarette is the product that fits.
It will also give patients time to speak with their GP, discuss the best way to quit smoking, such as using other products, including patches or sprays, and if necessary they can get a prescription.
