Do you need a prescription to vape in Australia?

Yes. Since October 2021, you need a valid prescription from a doctor to legally obtain nicotine vaping products in Australia. This applies to both purchasing domestically (from pharmacies) and importing from overseas.

Can you buy vapes at Australian shops?

Only non-nicotine vapes can be sold at general retail. From March 2024, nicotine vapes can only be sold at pharmacies with a valid prescription. All other retail sales of nicotine vapes are illegal.

What happens if you import vapes without a prescription?

Importing nicotine vaping products without a prescription is illegal. Border Force can seize products, and you may face fines. Since January 2024, personal import limits have been tightened significantly.

Can tourists vape in Australia?

Tourists face the same restrictions as residents. You need a prescription for nicotine vapes. You can bring a 3-month personal supply if you have a valid prescription from your home country (translated if necessary).

What are the penalties for selling illegal vapes in Australia?

Penalties vary by state but include fines up to $1.65 million for corporations and $330,000 for individuals. Some states have introduced on-the-spot fines of $1,500+ for retailers.

Can You Vape in Australia? 2026 Laws, Prescription Rules & Import Bans

Q: Where can you vape in Australia?

Vaping is generally banned wherever smoking is banned. This includes indoor public places, workplaces, public transport, within 4 meters of building entrances, and at outdoor dining areas in most states.

Can You Vape in Australia? The Short Answer

Vaping with nicotine requires a prescription in Australia:

Prescription required for all nicotine vaping products
Pharmacy-only sales for nicotine vapes (from March 2024)
Strict import controls - personal imports need a prescription
All flavors banned except tobacco, mint, and menthol (from March 2024)
Vaping banned wherever smoking is banned
Heavy penalties for illegal sales - up to $1.65 million

Australia has the strictest vaping regulations of any Western country, treating nicotine vapes as therapeutic goods rather than consumer products.

Australia's Vaping Laws: The Legal Framework

Key Legislation

Legislation	Effect
Therapeutic Goods Act 1989	Nicotine classified as Schedule 4 (prescription only)
Therapeutic Goods (Standard for Nicotine Vaping Products) Order 2024	Quality standards for pharmacy-sold vapes
Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations	Import restrictions
State smoke-free laws	Vaping treated same as smoking
Public Health Acts (by state)	Retail bans, advertising restrictions

Timeline of Recent Changes

Date	Change
October 2021	Prescription required for nicotine imports
January 2024	Personal import ban (commercial quantities)
March 2024	Pharmacy-only sales, flavor restrictions
July 2024	Disposable vape import ban
2025-2026	Enforcement intensification

The Prescription System

How It Works

To legally vape with nicotine in Australia:

See a doctor - GP, telehealth, or authorized prescriber
Get a prescription - For nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Fill at a pharmacy - Approved pharmacies stock vapes
Repeat as needed - Prescriptions typically valid for 6-12 months

Types of Prescriptions

TGA Authorized Prescriber:

Doctor applies to TGA for authorization
Can prescribe nicotine vapes directly
Easier repeat prescriptions

Standard Prescription:

Any doctor can prescribe
May use Special Access Scheme
More administrative steps

Finding a Doctor

Not all doctors prescribe nicotine vapes. Options include:

GP clinics - Ask if they prescribe NRT vapes
Telehealth services - Several specialize in vaping prescriptions
Quitline (13 7848) - Can provide referrals
Pharmacy consultation - Some pharmacies have prescribing relationships

What You'll Get

Pharmacy-approved products must meet TGA standards:

Nicotine limit: 20mg/mL maximum
Flavors: Tobacco, mint, and menthol only
Packaging: Plain packaging, health warnings
Volume: Limited quantities per prescription

What Can You Buy in Australia?

At Pharmacies (With Prescription)

Nicotine e-liquids (up to 20mg/mL)
Closed pod systems
Pre-filled devices
Tobacco, mint, menthol flavors only

At Retail (No Prescription Needed)

Non-nicotine (0mg) devices - Limited selection
Non-nicotine e-liquids - Any flavor
Hardware - Mods, tanks, accessories

What's Banned

Disposable vapes (import banned July 2024)
Fruit, candy, dessert flavors (nicotine products)
Nicotine products without prescription
Products not meeting TGA standards

Importing Vapes to Australia

Personal Import Rules (With Prescription)

If you have a valid prescription, you can import:

Product	Limit
E-liquid	3-month supply
Devices	Personal use quantity
Nicotine concentration	Any (for personal use)

Requirements

Valid prescription from Australian or overseas doctor
Personal use only - Not for resale
Reasonable quantities - 3 months maximum
Declaration at customs if asked

Without a Prescription

Importing nicotine vaping products without a prescription is illegal. Border Force actively intercepts packages:

Products will be seized
You may receive an infringement notice
Repeated attempts may lead to prosecution
Fines apply

Commercial Import Ban

Since July 2024, commercial importation of disposable vapes is completely banned. Only TGA-licensed importers can bring in approved products for pharmacy sale.

Where Can You Vape in Australia?

Vaping is regulated the same as smoking throughout Australia.

Where Vaping Is Banned

Indoor public places (all states)
Workplaces (all states)
Public transport and stations
Within 4 meters of building entrances (most states)
Outdoor dining areas (most states)
Beaches (many councils)
Parks and playgrounds (most councils)
Sporting venues
Schools and universities
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Shopping centers

State-Specific Rules

State	Distance from Entrances	Outdoor Dining	Additional
NSW	4 meters	Banned	Car with child banned
Victoria	4 meters	Banned	Beaches banned in many areas
Queensland	5 meters	Banned	Most outdoor public areas
WA	5 meters	Banned	Alcohol licensed areas
SA	10 meters	Banned	Stricter outdoor rules
Tasmania	3 meters	Banned	Public events
NT	Varies	Banned	Community areas
ACT	4 meters	Banned	Outdoor dining areas

Where You Can Vape

Private residences (your own property)
Some outdoor areas - If far from crowds/entrances
Designated smoking areas - Some venues
Private vehicles - Without children present (varies by state)

Penalties and Enforcement

Retail Penalties

Violation	Maximum Penalty
Corporation selling illegal vapes	Up to $1.65 million
Individual selling illegal vapes	Up to $330,000
Advertising vapes	Up to $330,000
On-the-spot fines (varies by state)	$1,500-$5,000

Consumer Penalties

Violation	Penalty
Vaping in prohibited area	$200-$500 fine
Importing without prescription	Seizure + potential fine
Vaping in car with child	Up to $250 (varies)

Enforcement Intensity

Enforcement has increased significantly:

Border Force intercepts packages
Health department inspectors visit retailers
Council rangers enforce outdoor bans
Police can issue fines

For Tourists

Bringing Vapes to Australia

With a prescription:

Bring documentation (translated if needed)
Maximum 3-month supply
Declare if asked at customs
Keep original packaging

Without a prescription:

Non-nicotine devices only
Risk of seizure for nicotine products
Consider using patches/gum instead

Getting a Prescription as a Tourist

It's difficult but possible:

Some telehealth services accept overseas visitors
Emergency GP appointments may help
Prepare documentation of current nicotine use
Expect to pay consultation fees ($50-150+)

Alternatives

Nicotine patches/gum - Available at pharmacies without prescription
Heated tobacco (IQOS) - Legal, available at tobacconists
Non-nicotine vapes - Limited availability

Australia vs. Neighboring Countries

Country	Prescription?	Retail Sale	Flavors	Import
Australia	Yes	Pharmacy only	Tobacco/mint/menthol	Restricted
New Zealand	No	Yes (specialty shops)	All flavors	Legal
Indonesia	No	Yes	All flavors	Legal
Singapore	N/A	Banned	Banned	Banned
Japan	No	0mg only	All flavors	120mL limit
Thailand	N/A	Banned	Banned	Banned

New Zealand is a popular destination for Australians seeking more accessible vaping products.

The Debate in Australia

Arguments for Current Restrictions

Youth vaping prevention
Pharmaceutical-grade quality control
Smoking cessation as medical treatment
Public health protection

Arguments Against

Creates black market
Harder for smokers to switch
More restrictive than cigarettes
Evidence from less restrictive countries

Future Changes

The Australian government continues to tighten regulations. Potential future changes include:

Further import restrictions
Enhanced enforcement technology
Possible prescription pathway reforms
International pressure for review

Australia Vaping Laws: Key Takeaways

Prescription required for all nicotine vapes since October 2021
Pharmacy-only sales for nicotine products since March 2024
Flavors restricted to tobacco, mint, and menthol
20mg/mL maximum nicotine concentration for pharmacy products
Disposable vape import ban since July 2024
3-month supply limit for personal prescription imports
Vaping banned wherever smoking is banned
Heavy penalties - Up to $1.65 million for corporations
Tourists need prescriptions too - Same rules apply
Enforcement increasing - Border Force, health inspectors, council rangers active

References

Looking for vaping laws in other countries? Check our complete vaping laws guide for more destinations.