18/12/2024
In a significant crackdown on the illegal vape market, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and WA Health have conducted a successful joint enforcement operation, with assistance from Australian Federal Police (AFP), resulting in the seizure of more than 60,000 allegedly illicit vapes valued at just under $1.9 million and $198,000 of infringement notices being issued to 10 retail businesses across Perth for unlawful vape supply.
This operation, which took place across Perth from 11 to 13 November 2024, followed an investigation of over 70 businesses by the TGA and WA Health, and included the execution of 4 TGA search warrants on retail and storage premises.
Intelligence provided by WA Health played a central role in identifying the targets of search warrant activities.
The operation demonstrates ongoing coordination between TGA officials and other state and territory and Commonwealth agencies, to enforce the Australian Government reforms under the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024.
This new legislation restricts the sale of vaping goods to licensed Australian pharmacies, prohibits their availability in retail outlets such as tobacconists and convenience stores, and introduces stringent penalties for non-compliance.
Ongoing enforcement at the border is in collaboration with the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Since the start of 2024, the ABF and TGA have seized more than 7 million vaping products, with additional enforcement actions planned across the nation.
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