Am I Allowed to Bring Vapes into Australia?

Am I Allowed to Bring Vapes into Australia?

If you’re travelling to Australia and wondering whether you can bring your vape with you, the short answer is: yes, but only in very limited circumstances. Australia has some of the world’s strictest vaping laws, and the rules can be confusing for visitors and returning residents alike.

This guide explains what is allowed, what is not, and what travellers need to know—in plain English.

Vapes are tightly regulated in Australia

In Australia, vapes are not treated as normal consumer products. They are regulated for public health reasons and are primarily intended to be used only to help people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence, under professional supervision.

All vapes—whether they contain nicotine or not—are subject to federal controls. This includes:

  • Vape devices

  • Pods and cartridges

  • Vape liquids

  • Disposable and reusable vapes

As a result, most ways of bringing vapes into Australia are prohibited.

Can travellers bring vapes into Australia?

Yes—but only under a specific traveller exemption, and only in small quantities.

If you are entering Australia by plane or ship, you may bring vapes only if all of the following apply:

  • The vapes are for your own treatment purposes

  • They are carried in your accompanied baggage (not shipped separately)

  • The quantity is within the legal limits

How many vapes can I bring?

Under the traveller exemption, each traveller may bring no more than:

  • 2 vapes in total (disposable or reusable combined)

  • 20 vape accessories (such as pods or cartridges)

  • 200 mL of vape liquid

These limits apply regardless of whether the vape contains nicotine or not.

Bringing more than these amounts may result in the items being confiscated at the border.

Can I order vapes online or ship them into Australia?

No. Personal importation of vapes is not allowed, even if:

  • You have a prescription

  • The vape is for personal use

  • The vape does not contain nicotine

Australian Border Force has the authority to seize and destroy vapes that are imported unlawfully, and significant penalties can apply.

The traveller exemption applies only when you physically bring the vapes with you when entering Australia.

What about buying vapes once I’m in Australia?

In Australia:

  • Vapes can only be sold by participating pharmacies

  • They must be supplied for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence

  • Vape shops, tobacconists, and convenience stores cannot legally sell vapes

Depending on your situation:

  • Adults may be able to access certain low-nicotine vapes through a pharmacist

  • Some people may require a prescription

  • Pharmacists are not required to supply vapes if they believe it is not appropriate

Will I get in trouble for carrying a vape?

At the federal level:

  • Individuals with small amounts for personal use are generally not the focus of enforcement

  • Laws mainly target illegal supply and commercial importation

However:

  • Some states and territories have additional restrictions

  • Customs officers may still question or inspect vaping products

  • Items that do not meet traveller exemption rules may be taken away

Airline rules: can I bring a vape on the plane?

Most airlines, including Qantas, allow vapes:

✔ In carry-on baggage only

✖ Not in checked luggage

Important safety rules:

  • Vapes must not be used or charged onboard

  • Devices must be protected against accidental activation

Airline permission to carry a vape does not override Australian import laws. A vape allowed on the plane can still be restricted at the border.

Key takeaway: what travellers should remember

  • You can bring vapes into Australia

  • Only in very small quantities

  • You cannot import or ship vapes from overseas

  • Vapes must be for personal treatment use

  • Pharmacy access is the only legal supply pathway in Australia

If you’re unsure, it’s safest to:

  • Bring no more than the allowed limits

  • Declare your items if asked

  • Consider using approved smoking cessation options available in Australia

Need help quitting smoking?

Support is available. Pharmacists, doctors, and quit services can help you find safe, legal, and evidence-based options to support your quit journey.

 

References:

https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-vaping?language=en

https://www.odc.gov.au/importers/importing-vaping-goods-australia

https://www.qantas.com/en-au/baggage/dangerous-goods/personal-items-toiletries-and-medicinal-items

https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/

https://www.odc.gov.au/travellers/travelling-or-australia-medicines-and-medical-devices

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