Australia has significantly tightened its laws surrounding vaping, making it crucial for anyone planning to visit or return to the country to understand the strict regulations. These changes, implemented in phases throughout 2024, are designed to protect public health, particularly among young people, and to curb nicotine dependence. The overarching theme is that vapes are now treated as therapeutic goods, with their sale and importation heavily restricted.

The Landscape of Vaping in Australia: A Shift to Pharmacy-Only

As of July 1, 2024, a major shift occurred: all  iget and vaping products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine, can only be sold in pharmacies. This means that traditional vape shops, tobacconists, and convenience stores are no longer permitted to sell any type of vape or vaping product. The purpose of this change is to ensure vapes are primarily accessed by individuals for quitting smoking or managing nicotine dependence, under a controlled environment.

From October 1, 2024, individuals aged 18 and over can purchase vapes with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less from participating pharmacies without a prescription, subject to state and territory laws. However, a consultation with the pharmacist is mandatory, covering product and dosage discussions, alternative quitting options, and age verification. Purchases are limited to a one-month supply per month. For those under 18 or needing higher nicotine concentrations (above 20 mg/mL), a prescription remains essential. Furthermore, flavors are restricted to mint, menthol, and tobacco, and all vapes must adhere to plain pharmaceutical packaging.

Importing Vaping Products: A Near-Total Ban

This is where travelers need to be particularly cautious. The Australian government has implemented a near-total ban on the importation of vaping goods, with only very limited exceptions.

Key Importation Restrictions:

• Disposable Vapes: As of January 1, 2024, the importation of disposable vapes is prohibited, regardless of nicotine content, unless the importer holds a specific license and permit from the Office of Drug Control (ODC). These licenses and permits are primarily for businesses and research purposes, not for personal importation. This means individuals cannot order disposable vapes online from overseas, even with a prescription.
• Reusable Vapes and Accessories: From March 1, 2024, the importation of all other vaping goods, including reusable devices, accessories (cartridges, capsules, pods), and vape substances (e-liquids), also requires an ODC license and permit. Again, these are for commercial importers or researchers, effectively ending the “Personal Importation Scheme” for individuals. You cannot order vapes directly from overseas, even with a prescription.
• Controlled Substances: Vapes containing controlled substances, such as cannabis oil, are strictly prohibited and do not fall under any traveler’s exemption. Bringing these into Australia can lead to severe penalties.

What Travellers Can Bring In (Under Strict Conditions)

Despite the widespread bans, there is a very limited exemption for travelers entering Australia. This exemption is strictly for vapes used in the treatment of the traveler or someone they are caring for, who is entering Australia on the same ship or aircraft.

The maximum allowable quantity for travelers is:

• 2 vapes in total (whether disposable or reusable).
• 20 vape accessories (including cartridges, capsules, or pods).
• 200mL of vape substance in liquid form.

It’s crucial to understand that while a prescription or doctor’s letter is not required at the border for these limited quantities under the traveler’s exemption, the vapes are still intended for therapeutic use. This exemption does not apply to controlled substances like cannabis vapes, which have separate, even stricter regulations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is actively enforcing these new regulations. Non-compliance can lead to significant consequences, including:

• Seizure of products: Any vaping goods exceeding the allowed traveler quantities or imported without the necessary licenses and permits will be seized.
• Fines and legal charges: Unlawful importation of restricted goods can result in substantial fines and even criminal charges. The maximum criminal penalties can be severe, including seven years in jail and/or millions of dollars in fines for individuals and corporations involved in commercial supply.
• Impact on future travel: A record of unlawful importation could affect your ability to obtain future Australian visas.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

1. Strictly Limited Quantities: Only a very small amount of vaping products is allowed for personal therapeutic use when entering Australia.
2. No Personal Importation: You cannot order vapes from overseas for delivery to Australia, even with a prescription.
3. Pharmacy-Only Sales: Once in Australia, if you require more vapes, you can only purchase them from a pharmacy, and for nicotine products, a prescription might be needed depending on the nicotine concentration and your age.
4. No Disposable Vapes (Generally): The import and sale of disposable vapes are heavily restricted.
5. Be Informed: Always check the latest guidelines from the Australian Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and Australian Border Force (ABF) before traveling, as regulations can evolve.

Australia’s stance on vaping is clear: it’s a regulated therapeutic product, not a recreational one. Travelers should plan accordingly to avoid any issues with Australian Customs and Border Force. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and leave your vapes at home, or strictly adhere to the very limited quantities allowed for personal therapeutic use upon entry.