Australia expected to introduce plain packaging and flavored e-cigarette ban

Today, on April 29, news from foreign media indicates that the Australian government is expected to announce measures to combat illegal e-cigarettes as early as next week, amid growing concerns about the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.

According to media reports, Health Minister Mark Butler will announce reforms regarding e-cigarette regulation, which have been under long discussion, before the federal budget on May 9, including the introduction of plain packaging and a ban on certain flavors.

News.com.au first reported today that Butler has committed to taking substantial action, stating that the government plans to advance non-pharmaceutical e-cigarettes and will focus on imports from overseas.

He told the publication that there are enforcement issues—because e-cigarettes are imported in small boxes, making them difficult to intercept at the border, and states and territories are reluctant to allocate resources to regulate the black market.

“So we need to take action at the border,” Butler said. “States must take some action around policing and retail arrangements. I believe people are willing to do that.”

Butler's office declined to comment on news.com.au's report. However, The Guardian Australia learned that the minister will speak at the National Press Club on May 2, a week before the federal budget is announced, to discuss the issue of combating e-cigarettes.