Australia: Black Market Vape Sales Outpace Legal Products 1,700 to 1
June 23, 2025 by vaping360.com
Australia: Black Market Vape Sales Outpace Legal Products 1,700 to 1
Australia's legal vape market collapsed due to a government mandate forcing sales to pharmacies, leading to a thriving illicit market controlled in part by organized crime. Government data reveal that legal sales make up just 1 in 1,700 transactions, while over 10 million vapes are sold monthly on the black market. The pharmacy-only system, introduced in 2024, lacks widespread support among pharmacies, with only 700 out of 5,900 participating. This approach contrasts with the previous accessibility of vaping products. The failed policy has exacerbated black-market activities, decreased tobacco tax revenues, and spurred criminal involvement in the vape trade, resulting in violent conflicts among gangs. Legalizing and regulating vapes as consumer goods is a potential remedy.
12.50% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 14.80% of men are current smokers but only 10.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
