Chinese Disposable Vapes - The Scourge of The Australian Vape Industry

I represent a business that has been running a legal e-cigarette business in the local area for some years and we are now at our wits end with the lack of policing of illegal disposable vapes being sold in Sydney.  Which is having a huge affect on our business as well as untold consequences on the health and safety of our community particularly minors.

We have been making complaints to NSW Health for years and are now at a point where the lack of policing is beyond reproach.  Because of the types of businesses these illegal products are available in, we are seeing minors being able to buy these types of products in basically every tobacconist, convenience store and sadly even sweet shops around Sydney and the Northern Beaches.

Having employed dozens of staff over the years and currently employing 20+ staff in NSW we are fighting to educate the people on the long term effects of vaping black market disposables can have.

Not only that but our whole industry is here to support smoking cessation and provide the people with more affordable and healthier alternatives. Unfortunately this is not received well due to the mis-education coming from News Media, Social Media, Politicians etc. Making it hard for us to provide our services when we are vilified all the while every corner shop can get away with selling illegal goods to anyone regardless of age.

Puff Bars, Gunn Pods, Igets, HQDs we’ve heard them all being called a number of things in our Australian stores and to be brutally honest with you – all are terrible for your health. Nicotine disposables sold illegally in Australia are more often than not cheap Chinese brands, made in a country with no food regulations and where vaping is generally banned. 

A common misconception by Australian customers is that they believe the “5%” shown on the side of the packaging is 5mg, however this is not the case. 5% equals 50mg or in simple terms, up to 2 packets of cigarettes for an daily average smoker.  If you weren’t a smoker before using your ‘Dispo’ you certainly are one now, and most likely have a seriously heavy nicotine addiction.

Your assistance in cleaning up this continued illegal trade would be greatly appreciated. Please help us make some make some noise and bring this to everyone's attention!

Our greatest fear is that someone will die from these illegal products freely available for sale before anything is done to police them.