Electronic cigarettes – also known as e-cigarettes or vapes – are the most common type of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery system (ENNDS). They are small battery-operated devices that heat a liquid to produce a vapour that is then inhaled. The liquid used in e-cigarettes does not contain tobacco but instead comprises various chemicals. Using an e-cigarette or vape is referred to as “vaping”.

In Australia, vapes and vaping products can only be legally sold in pharmacies. All vapes that are sold legally in Australia comply with Therapeutic Goods Administration legislation, and there are strict regulations regarding what legal vapes can look like and contain (see FAQ What are the laws regarding e-cigarettes in Australia for more information). By contrast, illicit vapes may come in a wider range of sizes, colours, and flavours, and many illicit vapes also contain nicotine (even when the packaging claims that they do not).

According to national data, in 2022-23 curiosity was the most frequently cited reason for choosing to vape among Australians aged 18+ who had ever used e-cigarettes (57%). E-cigarettes were also used as a smoking cessation aid (23%), and some reported using them because they taste better than regular cigarettes (23%). Young people aged 14-17 years were even more likely to cite curiosity as the main reason for trying e-cigarettes (74%), while very few reported using them to quit smoking.

Other research also indicates that young people are likely to be influenced to vape by marketing and advertising efforts (including the use of sweet flavours that appeal to children in illicit vapes), as well as peer influences.

Changes to Australia’s vaping laws commenced from July 2024.

Vapes and vaping products (regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not) can now only be purchased and sold in pharmacies. It is illegal for any other retailer (including tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores) to sell any type of vape or vaping product, and vapes cannot legally be purchased from overseas retailers or websites for personal use. The importation and sale of disposable vapes is also banned.

Vapes sold in pharmacies are available for the purpose of helping people to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence. Flavours are restricted to mint, menthol and tobacco, and vapes must have plain pharmaceutical packaging.

Adults (aged 18+) can buy therapeutic vapes with a nicotine concentration of 20mg/mL or less from a participating pharmacy without a prescription (where state and territory laws allow) for smoking cessation and the management of nicotine dependence. A pharmacist must speak with them first about how to use therapeutic vapes for these purposes, other smoking cessation medicines available, and options for support. Young people aged under 18 must have a prescription to purchase vapes (where state and territory laws allow).

In addition, individual states and territories may also have other laws regarding purchasing or using vapes (for example, that restrict where vaping is allowed or provide different penalties for selling vapes).

To stay up-to-date about how vapes are regulated in Australia, visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration Vaping Hub.

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s vaping, there are a number of places you can find information and support. 

• Contact Quitline:
  • Call 13 QUIT (13 78 48) to speak to a Quitline counsellor
  • Request a callback using an online form or by texting “call back” to 0482 090 634 (VIC, SA, NT, WA only)
  • Get in touch via Facebook messenger @quitvic (VIC, SA, NT, WA only) or WhatsApp +61 385 832 920 (VIC, SA, NT, WA only).
• Visit the national cessation platform at quit.org.au to find out more about the benefits of quitting and to get practical strategies to help you quit
• Download the free My QuitBuddy app to help support you to quit vaping.