Laws in Australia
Buying and selling an e-cigarette or any liquid that contains nicotine without a doctor’s prescription is illegal in Australia. In Victoria, it is illegal to sell an e-cigarette or a liquid intended to be used in an e-cigarette (even if it does not contain nicotine) to a person under 18 years of age.
Analysis of Victorian Smoking and Health Survey data by Cancer Council Victoria’s Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer found that, in 2022, almost two-thirds of 18–24-year-olds who were currently vaping and who usually used nicotine purchased their own e-cigarette devices in ‘bricks and mortar’ stores without a script.
From 1 January 2024, the importation of all disposable single use e-cigarettes into Australia is prohibited (regardless of whether they contain nicotine).
In parallel with this ban, a new ‘Special Access Scheme’ pathway to prescribe e-cigarettes began on 1 January 2024. This pathway is intended to reduce the amount of ‘red tape’ involved for medical practitioners and nurse practitioners who choose to prescribe an e-cigarette product to help a patient quit smoking.
Further restrictions on the importation and sale of e-cigarettes are due to come into effect later in 2024. For more information on these changes see Quit's Vaping Reform FAQs.
If you suspect someone is breaking the law by selling an e-cigarette product to a person under the age of 18 years in Victoria, you should report them to your local council.
If you suspect someone is breaking the law by selling e-cigarette products containing nicotine, you can report them to:
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - via the online complaints portal; and
- Crime Stoppers – phone 1800 333 000.
Resources to support cessation
For further information to support the young person in your life to quit vaping or prevent them from starting vaping, we’ve compiled a list of trusted resources you can refer to. Remember that Quitline and your local GP are also great resources for confidential, personalised information to support you.
Last updated 2024