DPD Stores Pty Ltd fined $26,640 for alleged counterfeit nicotine vaping products

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued two infringement notices totalling $26,640 to DPD Stores Pty Ltd, trading as Lanyon Newsagency in the ACT, in relation to alleged unlawful supply of nicotine vaping products.

The company allegedly supplied counterfeit vaping products that did not declare on the labels and packaging that they contained nicotine. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) and the Poisons Standard vaping products containing nicotine are prescription only medicines and must only be dispensed by pharmacies to consumers who hold a valid authorisation or prescription. It is illegal for other Australian retailers to sell nicotine vaping products to the public.

The supply of counterfeit products poses a risk to public health and safety as consumers may unknowingly purchase a product that contains nicotine. The TGA has published a warning about counterfeit nicotine vaping products.

Counterfeit nicotine vaping products may also not meet the required safety standards to prevent nicotine poisoning. Accidental ingestion of, or exposure (such as through the skin or eyes) to, nicotine vaping products can have toxic and sometimes severe effects. There is a risk of accidental child poisoning if a container is left open in the process of refilling/mixing, or in vaping devices that do not have the appropriate child-resistant safety features (including where a child is able to suck on the vaping device).

You can seek urgent medical attention if you are exposed to or have ingested a nicotine vaping product by calling emergency services 000 and the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126.

If you suspect non-compliance in relation to therapeutic goods, you can report illegal or questionable practices online to the TGA.