Buying Nicotine Vapes in Australia: The Law, Health Risks and Quit Support

Australia’s vaping laws have changed substantially. If you smoke or vape, it can be hard to tell which products are legally supplied, what standards apply and where to seek help with nicotine dependence. Here are the key facts.

Where can vapes legally be supplied?

In Australia, vaping products can only be supplied through lawful therapeutic pathways. Tobacconists, convenience stores and vape shops cannot legally sell them. In Victoria, a participating pharmacist may supply a therapeutic vape to an adult aged 18 or over only when the applicable requirements are met and the pharmacist considers it clinically appropriate for smoking cessation or managing nicotine dependence.

For some products, including those containing more than 20 mg/mL of nicotine, a prescription is required. Victorian pharmacies cannot supply vaping products to anyone under 18, even with a prescription.

What is the difference between an illicit vape and a therapeutic vape?

A vape sold illegally has bypassed Australia’s lawful supply pathway. Its label may not reliably tell you what it contains, including whether it contains nicotine.

Therapeutic vapes supplied through the lawful pathway must meet applicable Australian product standards. A pharmacist must also assess whether supply is appropriate and discuss other ways to manage nicotine dependence.

That does not mean a therapeutic vape is TGA approved or harmless. No therapeutic vape has been evaluated and registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for smoking cessation or managing nicotine dependence. The long term health effects of vaping are still being studied, and nicotine can be addictive.

Are vapes the first option for quitting smoking?

No. Australian guidance does not recommend therapeutic vapes as a first line treatment for smoking cessation. Other options include behavioural support, nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or gum, and prescription medicines where appropriate.

The best starting point is a conversation about your smoking or vaping habits, previous quit attempts, health conditions and preferences. A health professional can help you consider the available options without assuming that one approach suits everyone.

Where can you get help?

A pharmacist or GP can discuss support for quitting smoking or vaping and managing nicotine dependence. You can also contact Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848) or visit Quit for free support.

This article is general information, not individual medical advice. Laws and clinical recommendations can change.

Further reading: TGA information for individuals and patients · Victorian Department of Health vaping information