New Laws to Regulate Tobacco Products in Australia
New laws come into effect in Australia today that change the look, ingredients, and packaging of tobacco products.
The Australian government passed the package of tobacco laws in late 2023, which include:
- Standardised tobacco pack and cigarette stick sizes, no more novelty pack sizes or cigarette lengths
- Updated and improved graphic health warnings and quitting advice inserts within all tobacco packs
- Warnings printed directly on cigarettes
- Banning ingredients that make tobacco taste better and easier to smoke, including menthol.
Retailers have a three-month grace period to sell any old stock already in their stores by July 1.
New Graphic Health Warnings
Cigarette packaging requirements have been stagnant since 2012, when Australia introduced plain packaging laws that banned the use of all on-pack logos and branding. This was a world-first.
While large graphic health warnings are effective in both preventing smoking uptake and aiding quitting smoking, the effects wear out if warnings are not refreshed and varied.
Warnings on Cigarettes
Cigarettes themselves must now include one of eight health warnings printed directly on the filter paper.
Canada was the first country in the world to adopt similar requirements in 2023.
Standardised Packaging
The size, shape, and colour of cigarettes has also been standardised to prevent tobacco companies from using unique cigarette designs to attract new users.
Why Ban Menthol?
Menthol masks the harshness of smoke. Just like cold lollies that contain menthol to soothe sore throats and tame coughs, menthol in cigarettes prevents inexperienced smokers from reacting to the rough effects of tobacco smoke in the throat. This helps to make smoking a more pleasant experience that young users will return to.
No Similar Reforms for the United States
Menthol cigarettes have been heavily marketed to African American people since at least the 1950s and make up one-third of the total US cigarette market share.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule banning menthol in 2022, and a 2024 US Surgeon General report highlighted that menthol products increase addiction and are:
disproportionately used by Black people, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people, women and people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
Reforms Needed to Stamp Out Our Illicit Market
Organised criminals are operating in Australia’s tobacco supply chain to illegally import and sell tobacco products. Government action to step in and gain control of that supply system is long overdue.
Australia will need to change how tobacco is sold. It should not be so easy and commonplace to sell such an addictive and deadly product.
Both state and national governments need timely and transparent reporting on the size and scope of the illicit market, and strict licensing of the entire tobacco supply chain. Businesses that sell illicit tobacco must face real consequences – not only large fines and loss of licences to operate, but also criminal charges.
All aspects of the tobacco supply chain – from wholesalers to retailers – must be tightly controlled.
Conclusion
The new laws in Australia aim to reduce the addictive and deadly nature of tobacco products. By standardising packaging, banning ingredients that make tobacco taste better, and introducing graphic health warnings, the government hopes to reduce the appeal of tobacco products and encourage people to quit.
FAQs
Q: What are the new laws in Australia?
A: The new laws include standardised tobacco pack and cigarette stick sizes, updated and improved graphic health warnings and quitting advice inserts within all tobacco packs, warnings printed directly on cigarettes, and banning ingredients that make tobacco taste better and easier to smoke, including menthol.
Q: Why is menthol being banned?
A: Menthol masks the harshness of smoke, making it a more pleasant experience for young users, and makes it more addictive.
Q: What is the impact of the ban on menthol in the US?
A: The ban on menthol in the US is predicted to reduce total smoking by 15% and the number of smoking attributable deaths among African Americans by up to 238,000.
Q: What is the government doing to address the illicit tobacco market?
A: The government is introducing strict licensing of the entire tobacco supply chain, and businesses that sell illicit tobacco must face real consequences – not only large fines and loss of licences to operate, but also criminal charges.
