TGA statement on illegal vape sales

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is aware that recent media reports have stated that the TGA estimates that more than 10 million vapes are sold nationally every month on the black market. These reports are incorrect.

The information on 10 million vapes came from a document provided to the TGA by a third party during consultation and was released by the TGA as part of a Freedom of Information request.

The TGA does not hold information on the number of illicit vapes sold in Australia, and reports that suggest otherwise are inaccurate.

The Australian Government has recently provided funding to the TGA to undertake work to collect a range of data to better understand the lawful supply of therapeutic vaping goods in Australia. This work is underway.

Therapeutic vaping goods for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence are only available for sale from participating pharmacies, where clinically appropriate.

It is illegal for all other retailers, such as tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores, to sell any kind of vape, regardless of whether it contains nicotine.

People seeking to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence should speak to their health practitioner or see Quitting methods.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400