Australia wants to severely restrict the sale of e-cigarette devices and the associated flavors. Health Minister Mark Butler criticized on Tuesday the "shameless" way in which the e-cigarettes were sold to schoolchildren disguised as highlighters so that they could put them in their pencil cases.

Till Fähnders

Political correspondent for Southeast Asia.

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E-cigarettes were originally intended to be used for therapeutic purposes to make it easier for people to quit smoking tobacco. "It was never intended as a product for recreational use. Especially not as one that is aimed at the children." Butler warned, "Vaping is creating an entire generation of nicotine addicts in our communities."

Adolescents who used e-cigarettes were three times as likely to use regular cigarettes. The government therefore wants to take measures to make e-cigarettes less tempting for young people.

Problem in schools

For example, e-cigarettes are to be offered less in retail. So far, they are sold alongside lollipops and chocolate bars, Butler said. The minister spoke of the "biggest loophole" in Australian history.

So-called vaping has become the most widespread behavioural problem in secondary schools and is also spreading more and more in primary schools. In the future, e-cigarettes will therefore be given "pharmaceutical" packaging and simple flavors.

Single-use disposable e-cigarettes will also be completely banned from shelves. The import of e-cigarettes will only be allowed if they are clearly intended for sale on prescription.

In addition, the permitted amount and content of nicotine in the liquids offered for this purpose would be restricted. Otherwise, e-cigarettes would undo the progress made in the fight against tobacco and nicotine. On the other hand, the minister ruled out measures such as those in New Zealand, where smoking is practically banned for future generations.

Like its neighbour, however, Australia apparently continues to see e-cigarettes as a means of reducing dependence on tobacco smoking. In the future, Australia wants to make it easier for smokers to have their e-cigarettes prescribed by a doctor.