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).