In France, a bill aimed at banning disposable electronic cigarettes will be examined on December 4. In Australia, the country has decided to act by banning the importation of disposable electronic cigarettes from January 1, 2024, in the face of their “worrying” success among adolescents.
In a country where less than 12% of the population smokes daily, around 15% of 14-17 year olds use electronic cigarettes, according to official figures. “The vast majority of electronic cigarettes contain nicotine and children are becoming addicted,” said Health Minister Mark Butler.
Towards a ban on the manufacture and sale
This phenomenon is all the more “worrying” as vapers are three times more likely to also smoke tobacco, he stressed. The ban on the importation of disposable electronic cigarettes, which are cheap and easily accessible, is intended to dry up the market. It must be followed in 2024 by a ban on the manufacture and sale of such products.
Australia prides itself on being at the forefront of the fight against tobacco. In 2012, the country was the first in the world to impose plain cigarette packets. The price of tobacco is among the highest on the planet, at 50 Australian dollars (30 euros) per pack.