ACS warns disposable vape ban will boost £645m illegal trade
March 28, 2024
New Zealand delays disposable vape ban until October – VPFIT China Vape Factory
April 1, 2024
China vape to Australia is dropping.
The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China recently released the import and export data.
In January 2024, China’s vape exports to Australia were US$3.17 million. It is a month-on-month decrease of 93.93%, a year-on-year decrease of 86.46%. The export volume was 55 tons, a month-on-month decrease of 95.42% , a year-on-year decrease of 86.97%.
In February 2024, the export volume was US$2.56 million. That’s a month-on-month decrease of 19.23% and a year-on-year decrease of 86.27%. The export volume was 49 tons, down 11.49% month-on-month and 85.12% year-on-year.
Australia has a population of approximately 26 million people. According to data released by the Australian Department of Health, more than 3.5 million residents aged 14 and above use cigarettes or vapes. This number accounts for approximately 13.5% of the total population.
Nowadays, Chinese vape exports to Australia are less than US$3 million, and the export volume is less than 500,000 tons.
The reason: Australia banning disposable vape import.
Starting from Jan. 2024, Australia has implemented a policy banning the import of disposable vapes. The policy stipulates that vape users in Australia must buy vapes (except disposable vapes) with a prescription.
Australia has previously implemented a policy banning the import of disposable vapes. But Australia’s disposable vape market is still booming due to issues such as lax border enforcement. However, this time is different.
Viewing from China’s disposable vapes export volume to Australia, it is clear that Australia has stricter regulations on disposable vapes.
Besides, a company specializing in vape logistics reveal that Australia’s current inspections of vape logistics are very strict. Although some people claim that “double clearance” can be used, in fact they still face huge risks.
China vapes are going to its neighboring country.
While vape from China exports to Australia have plummeted, China’s exports to neighboring New Zealand is increasing.
In January 2024, China’s vape exports to New Zealand were 194 tons. It is a month-on-month increase of 33.53%, and a year-on-year increase of 5.22%. In February, the export volume was 152 tons, a month-on-month decrease of 21.92%, and a year-on-year increase of 64.98%.
Judging from the data, except for the month-on-month decrease in export volume during China’s Spring Festival in February, the rest of New Zealand’s data are increasing.
This is also relevant to Australia’s policy. Among the legal ways to purchase vapes in Australia, there is the Personal Import Scheme. This scheme requires a prescription. After obtaining a prescription, consumers can buy vapes on the vape website outside Australia. And the seller will then mail the product to the consumer.
Most of the vapers who use this method to buy vapes and e-liquids from vape online stores in New Zealand.
Australia has stipulated that since March 1, vapes cannot be imported into Australia unless the importer holds a license. Besides, importers and manufacturers of prescription vapes are also required to notify the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that their products comply with standards.
However, New Zealand distributors have publicly stated that they will not stop shipping to Australia.
Next news: ACS warns disposable vape ban will boost £645m illegal trade
