Wholesale Australian vape suppliers are making ready to go underground as federal anti-vaping reforms kick in, however the retailers are promising clients they’re not going away.
Some distributors are already warning clients that costs are about to extend and urging them to “stock up now”.
Others have taken to social media in defiance of the legal guidelines.
The on-line wholesalers, which deal in principally single-use or disposable vapes, shall be impacted hardest by anti-smoking reforms, with the merchandise earmarked for a complete ban.
In an electronic mail e-newsletter to clients titled: “The Crackdown is REAL”, seen by news.com.au, one in style Sydney-based nationwide provider frantically emphasised, “arrests have been made”.
“Dear Valued Customer, I wanted to provide you with an update on the crackdown that is currently happening within our industry,” it reads.
“Recently, it was brought to our attention that one of our competitors was arrested due to the crackdown.
“In light of this, these are now uncertain times that we are navigating through, and therefore I would urge you to stock up on your vape supplies whilst you still can.
“Additionally, we will also be increasing our prices due to supply and demand, therefore, NOW would be a good time to get your supplies at our best prices.”
It concluded by warning that worth hikes have been imminent.
News.com.au contacted nationwide authorities concerning the claims of arrests, however they haven’t but been verified.
On TikTok, the place vape suppliers usually promote, artistic movies have emerged reassuring clients they won’t shut down amid the brand new legal guidelines.
One nationwide provider in late May posted a video that options Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort, from the Wolf of Wall Street.
The video is captioned: “When customers ask if we’re gunna stop selling due to the new vape laws”.
“I’m not f***ing leaving!” screams DiCaprio throughout a scene from the long-lasting Scorsese movie over footage of the wholesale vapes.
Numerous others seen by news.com.au have poked enjoyable on the legal guidelines however present no intention of closing up store.
“Puff puff, we’re still here,” one other bulk vendor wrote on TikTok, sharing a picture of a news article mentioning the ban.
The measures, which nonetheless have to go parliament earlier than turning into legislation, will ban the importation of non-prescription vaping merchandise – together with those who declare to not comprise nicotine.
The authorities will introduce minimal high quality requirements for vapes, proscribing flavours, colors and different components, and vape merchandise will want pharmaceutical-like packaging.
Nicotine concentrations and volumes will even be diminished, and all single-use, disposable vapes shall be banned.
Health Minister Mark Butler introduced new rules final month in response to a complete assessment carried out by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) concerning using vaping.
The assessment included consultations with numerous communities and well being organisations and highlighted vital well being dangers related to vaping, notably amongst kids.
Mr Butler emphasised that vaping was initially marketed globally as a therapeutic assist to help long-term people who smoke in quitting however had reworked right into a leisure product.
“It was not sold as a recreational product, and in particular, not one for our kids. That is what it has become: the biggest loophole, I think, in Australian healthcare history,” he stated.
“Vaping has now become the number one behavioural issue in high schools, and it is becoming widespread in primary schools as well.
“Over the past 12 months, Victoria’s poisons hotline has taken 50 calls about children under the age of four ingesting vapes. Under the age of four.
“Vapes contain more than 200 chemicals that do not belong in the lungs. Some of the same chemicals you will find in nail polish remover and weed killer.”
Originally printed as ‘Not f***ing leaving’: Bulk vape sellers put together to go underground
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au