Australia's Nicotine Vape Ban in Effect

Australia’s ban on nicotine-inclusive e-cigarettes started on October 1,2021. Vapers in the market for nicotine e-cigarettes, vape juice (nicotine pods), or liquid nicotine (e-liquid) must not get them by prescription only.  Vape shops and retail stores may continue to sell the non-nicotine vape/e-cigarette products.  Other nicotine-containing products, such as nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, chews, sprays, and other vaping products that do not contain nicotine also do not fall under this rule.

Prescriptions are also required for online purchases from international retailers. The Australian Border Force will be able to intercept packages of nicotine e-cigarettes, pods, or liquid and those found importing these goods without a prescription could face a fine of up to A$222,000 (US$161,000). Those choosing to import nicotine will be able to order a maximum of three months’ supply at one time and a maximum of 15 months’ supply in a 12-month period.

The ban is on nicotine vaping only, not vaping in general. Vaping is still allowed as long as it does not contain nicotine without a prescription.

Obtaining a prescription is not easy. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), any general practitioner can prescribe approved nicotine e-cigarettes, but only a handful of government-approved doctors may prescribe unauthorized vape products. As there are currently no approved nicotine products on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, doctors need to apply to TGA for access to the unapproved product before being able to give a prescription for it or give a prescription for a maximum three-months’ supply of nicotine vape products.