Australia's E-Cigarette Scheme Drives Black Market Boom

Australia's E-Cigarette Scheme Fuels Black Market Boom Australia is facing a surge in illegal vape sales due to a flaw in its e-cigarette distribution system. Under current regulations, adults can purchase e-cigarettes from pharmacies without a prescription. However, only a small fraction of pharmacies — around 700 out of nearly 6,000 — are participating in the scheme. This limited availability has created a thriving black market, with significant quantities of vapes being seized by authorities. "Only one in every 1,600 vapes sold are legally purchased through a pharmacy," reports 9News Australia. This shortage has driven consumers to illegal sources, creating a public health concern and undermining the government's intended regulatory framework. Adding to the problem, one of Australia's largest legal vape suppliers is withdrawing from the market. They claim the current system is directly responsible for fueling the black market. The company's decision underscores the challenges in controlling the sale of e-cigarettes in Australia. The government is now under pressure to address the shortcomings of its e-cigarette scheme. Experts suggest that increasing the number of participating pharmacies and addressing the root causes of the black market are crucial steps to protect public health and reduce the availability of illegal vape products.