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Nicotine vaping products hub

Find out how we define and regulate nicotine vaping products in Australia. 

About nicotine vaping products

Nicotine vaping products are finished products ready to supply to consumers that:

  • contain nicotine (whether in base or salt form) in solution
  • are intended to be vaporised or inhaled using a vaping device (for example an e-cigarette or other electronic nicotine delivery system).

Common nicotine vaping products are liquid nicotine (for example nicotine e-liquids, e-juices and vape juices), including high-concentration liquid nicotine that is intended for dilution by consumers prior to use and the nicotine solution in prefilled nicotine e-cigarettes and pods.

Vaping devices are the electronic devices used to heat vaping products to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled. Vaping devices include e-cigars, vape pens, other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and the electrical and heating elements of pre-filled nicotine e-cigarettes and pods.

Nicotine vaping products require a prescription

From 1 October 2021, consumers require a prescription for all purchases of nicotine vaping products, such as nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine pods and liquid nicotine. This includes purchases from Australian pharmacies and from overseas. It remains illegal for other Australian retailers, such as tobacconists, 'vape' shops and convenience stores, to sell you nicotine vaping products, even if you have a prescription.

Nicotine replacement therapies (including sprays, patches, lozenges, chews and gums) that do not require a prescription will continue to be available from pharmacies and some retail outlets.

Importing, supplying, prescribing, dispensing and accessing nicotine vaping products 

Support services

Some people may find issues relating to smoking cessation distressing. If you or someone you know needs additional support, please contact any of the below crisis support helplines:

Adult

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
  • Beyond Blue: 1800 512 348
  • MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978

Youth

  • Kids Helpline (5-25 years): 1800 551 800
  • Headspace: 1800 650 890
  • ReachOut

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