National vaping rates for young Australians have seen a dramatic drop since the implementation of Australia’s tighter vaping regulations that began in early 2023. Now, Dr. Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney is reporting a drop in vaping among 18 to 24-year-olds. That’s a drop from 20 percent in 2023 to 18 percent by mid-2025. The proportion of 14 to 17-year-olds who reported vaping in the last month has fallen. It dropped from 18 percent to 15 percent over the same time span. The feds and law enforcement is ramping up big time. Their goals are to limit how much vaping product enters their country.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has taken the lead in cracking down on noncompliance with the new rules. These regulations restrict vape sales to pharmacies and prohibit advertising entirely. Yet since these laws went into effect, authorities have confiscated almost a half billion dollars worth of vapes. This huge undertaking demonstrates the federal government’s serious commitment to taking up arms against illegal vaping products. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged that the government didn’t intend to eliminate the importing of vapes altogether. The new regulations have created hurdles for individuals to acquire them.
Impact of Law Enforcement and Education
Dr. Becky Freeman emphasized the importance of ongoing law enforcement efforts, public education, mass media campaigns, and support for those looking to quit vaping. She noted that some individuals feel “almost ashamed of the fact that they’re addicted” to vaping, indicating a growing awareness and concern about the habit.
“The peak vaping rates appear to be behind us,” Dr. Freeman stated, suggesting that the concerted efforts are beginning to yield positive results. This significant decrease in young people’s rates of vaping is incredibly encouraging. Officials need to continue to move their projects forward to maintain this momentum.
We know that the ABF has gone far beyond its duties recently in its mission to stop illegal imports. Late last year, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Tony Smith announced that officers had “intensified” outreach to communities in South Asia and Southeast Asia. They’re very well-placed in strategic enabler locations virtue to the UK, Thailand and to Hong Kong. Their goal is to stop illegal vaping products from getting anywhere near Australian shores.
Challenges Persist
Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Mr. Butler admitted that some vaping products continue to get through the border. He underscored the point that we cannot stop illegal imports completely. He noted that it’s harder to find disposable vapes these days. This is because the limited choices left have led prices to spike, giving an unexpected advantage to young people.
It’s had overwhelming success with recent, bipartisan reforms. Assistant Commissioner Smith announced that ABF officers detected on average 120 detections per day over the last financial year. This coordinated law enforcement effort has resulted in the seizure of more than 10 million illegal vapes. It has further led to the seizure of billions of illegal cigarette sticks and tons of illegal tobacco.
Even the statistics around youth smoking tell an inspiring story. In fact, a record high 94 percent of adolescents 14 to 17 years old have never smoked or experimented with cigarettes. That’s a new all-time high for this age cohort! This statistic is indicative of vaping rates among Australian youth showing a promising decline. It reflects a bigger trend of getting out of the nicotine addiction business.
