Australia’s health regulator has formalised a ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, rejecting suggestions they present a safer alternative for smokers and people trying to quit.
In a final decision published on Monday, the Theraputic Goods Administration said it was not satisfied so-called HTPs offered any public health benefit.
“I do not consider HTPs would make a significant contribution to population harm reduction,” the administrator said.
“I consider that maintaining the current scheduling for HTPs is necessary to protect public health from the risks associated with introducing a new nicotine product for non-therapeutic use.”
Tobacco company Philip Morris said health authorities had overlooked millions of smokers and vapers.
“It’s time Australian authorities recognise many adult smokers will continue to smoke cigarettes – the most harmful way of consuming nicotine – unless the government rethinks its tobacco control policy,” managing director Tammy Chan said.
“Smoke-free products can play a role in reducing smoking rates.”
The administrator said should smokers wish to use e-cigarettes containing nicotine, they could still apply for a prescription to do so.
Daniel McCulloch – The Canberra Times – August 24, 2020.
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