Laws in Australia
The Australian Government has introduced new laws for vaping products aimed at reducing the harms caused by vaping, especially among young people.
Here’s what you need to know about the regulations
Under the new laws:
- the way Australians can access vapes has changed
- vapes can only be sold in pharmacies, regardless of whether they have nicotine in them or not
- non-pharmacy retailers, such as tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores, cannot sell any type of vape
- flavours in vapes are restricted to mint, menthol and tobacco
- there is a ban on the advertising or promotion of vapes.
Changes to accessing vapes to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence
In 2024, the laws on vaping in Australia changed and vapes can now only be sold in participating pharmacies to help people quit smoking or manage their nicotine dependence.
From 1 October, people 18 years and over can buy vapes with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml or less from participating pharmacies without a prescription, where state and territory laws allow, but only after talking with the pharmacist.
The pharmacist will advise on dosage and other help available for quitting smoking or managing nicotine dependence. A person can buy only one month's supply of vapes over the course of a month. Vapes must have plain packaging and flavours are restricted to mint, menthol and tobacco.
Where state and territory laws allow, people under 18 years need a prescription for a vape from a medical or nurse practitioner to ensure they get appropriate medical advice and supervision. People who need vapes with a concentration of nicotine higher than 20 mg/mL will also need a prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner, regardless of their age.
For more information visit the TGA websitePenalties under the legislation
Changes to the vaping law in Australia are focused on protecting people from the harms of vaping and nicotine dependence.
The law imposes heavy penalties for illegal supply and commercial possession of vapes. Individuals, including people under 18 years, who have a vaping products on them for personal use will not be targeted under changes to the law.
Ban on advertising
Vapes cannot be advertised in Australia - including in print, online, or on social media platforms. This aims to prevent young people from being targeted by the vaping industry.
What about vape shop sales?
Vapes, regardless of whether they have nicotine in them or not, can no longer be sold online or in-store in any shops other than pharmacies.
If you suspect someone is selling vapes unlawfully, you can report them to:
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - via the online complaints portal
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.
Quitline is here to help people of all ages to quit vaping
Friendly, qualified Quitline counsellors are non-judgmental and experienced in helping people of all ages including young people to stop vaping. There are many ways to get in touch with Quitline, including by phone 13 7848, webchat, WhatsApp and more:
Last updated 1 October 2024