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Vape Regulations 2024

Last updated 3 Sept 2024 (two stars ** indicate new information added/updated).

We created this page to give you as much information as possible about the 2024 vape regulations, as we understand them, along with links to government, doctor and news articles that have further information. We also have some frequently asked questions at the end of the page.

We keep this page as updated as possible.

Vape regulation changes

The 2024 vaping regulations include the following changes (as we understand them). Please read the links in the 'More information' section as they are our resources for information.

From 1 January

  • Ban on importing disposable vapes (those that are prefilled with e-liquid).
  • All doctor or nurse practitioners can prescribe nicotine vaping products without acquiring Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA's) approval. It is up to the doctor or nurse to choose whether they provide these prescriptions.

From 1 March

  • Ban on importing any vape products including e-liquid (with or without nicotine) and hardware by individuals, even with a prescription. Businesses need a licence and permit from ODC to import, and must notify TGA of each product's compliance with their standards (see current list of notified vapes).
  • Vape stores, like us, can continue to sell the nicotine-free vaping products until 1 July when the Vaping Reforms Bill is enforced.
  • Vape products imported after 1 March must meet new device and e-liquid standards, and only be sold in a pharmacy, with prescription.
  • All vape products classified as therapeutic products for the use of smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence (formerly classified as smoke product, under same laws as cigarettes).
  • Personal importation scheme ends meaning, as an individual, it will be prohibited to order any vape products from overseas, even with a prescription.
  • Limits on flavours to mint, menthol and tobacco for vape products imported after 1 March.

From 1 July

The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 was introduced on 21 March by the Minister for Health and Aged Care that added further vaping reforms, enforcing the following from 1 July:

  • Retail vape sales ban from 1 July, prohibiting tobacconists, vape stores and convenience stores from selling non-therapeutic vapes (any vape products).
  • Ban on importation, manufacture, advertisement, supply and commercial possession, of disposable, single-use vapes and non-therapeutic vapes.
  • Penalties for importing, manufacturing, supplying, advertising or commercially possessing vaping products in a manner contrary to regulations/law. Illegal vape retailers, manufactures and suppliers could face fines up to $2.2 million and seven years jail time.
  • Dictate that we can access vapes:
    • only through pharmacy from 1 July
    • only with prescription from 1 July to 30 September
    • over the counter from 1 October, without prescription, at pharmacies only (must show ID and chat with a pharmacist before purchase).
    • You can purchase:
      • up to one month's supply
      • up to 20mg/mL nicotine concentration in filled pods or e-liquid (from 1 Oct without prescription; prescription required for higher concentration)
      • both nicotine and nicotine-free vaping products.

Bill progress

The Vaping Reforms Bill was:

  • debated in Parliament on 27 March, with many Ministers speaking both in favour or opposed to the proposed Bill
  • passed to a Senate Committee of Inquiry to recommend if Australia should continue with the proposed bill and prescription-only model. The committee:
    • collected around 300 public submissions
    • hosted two public hearings, calling witnesses from those who lodged submissions.
    • prepared Senate Inquiry Report by 8 May where they recommended the bill be passed. The National Party Senators published a 'Dissenting Report', opposed to passing the bill; recommending regulation like tobacco products.
  • amended (CW - Government [sheet ZC286]) to remove the prescription-only model and replace it with a pharmacy-only model on 24 June
  • debated and passed with amendments by the Senate on 26 June
  • passed with amendments by the House of Representatives on 27 June.

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    Frequently Asked Questions