Australia’s 2024 Vaping Regulations: What you need to know

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.

Vapes can only be sold at pharmacies

From 1 July 2024, all vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not, can only be sold in a pharmacy for the purpose of helping people to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence. 

It is illegal for any other retailer—including tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores—to sell any type of vape or vaping product. 

Purchasing nicotine vapes with a prescription

Until 30 September 2024, everyone will continue to need a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner to buy vapes containing nicotine. 

This gives everyone the chance to discuss their vaping with a health professional and get the best information about health harms and quitting options. 

Buying nicotine vapes without a prescription

From 1 October 2024, people 18 years or over will be able to buy nicotine vapes from pharmacies without a prescription (‘behind the counter’). 

To do this, people will need to have a discussion with a pharmacist. The pharmacist will talk with them about the dosage and other options available to quit smoking and/or manage nicotine dependence.

People under 18 years will still need a prescription to access vapes, where state and territory laws allow it, to ensure they get appropriate medical advice and supervision.

Penalties 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 commercial and criminal supply of vapes. Individuals, including people under 18 years, who have a vape 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.

Quitline expansion

Extra funding from the Australian Government will help expand Quitline services, to meet the needs of younger people and make it even easier to get support or advice on quitting vaping (or smoking). 

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 to stop vaping. 

There are many ways to get in touch with Quitline.  

• Call 13 7848

• Request a callback from a Quitline counsellor using the online form:

Or

• Text ‘call back’ to 0482 090 634 (VIC, SA, WA, NT only) 

• Webchat at quit.org.au (VIC, SA, WA, NT only) 

• Message us on Facebook Messenger @quitvic or WhatsApp: 61 385 832 920 (VIC, SA, WA, NT only).

Explore all the ways to get in touch with Quitline:

Page last updated 1 July 2024