If you’ve tried to navigate the ever-changing vape market in Australia lately, you’re not alone. With tightening regulations and new product types emerging, understanding what’s legal, safe, and right for your quit journey can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re breaking down Australia’s current vape landscape in 2025, focusing on open and closed pod systems, regulatory changes, and what these developments mean for you.
Whether you're just starting your quit journey or transitioning from cigarettes to vaping under healthcare supervision, this guide is here to support and empower you with the facts.
What’s Happening in Australia’s Vape Market in 2025?
Vaping in Australia is no longer the unregulated market it once was. In 2024, the Australian Government implemented strict new rules to control the sale, access, and use of nicotine vaping products.
Key changes that took effect:
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Disposable vapes are now banned (regardless of nicotine content).
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Only pharmacy-supplied nicotine vapes are legal.
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Nicotine vaping products require a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
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Only certain flavours, tobacco, mint, and menthol, are permitted.
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Vapes must meet Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) product standards.
These reforms are aimed at protecting young Australians from nicotine addiction and ensuring that vaping remains a legitimate smoking cessation tool, not a lifestyle product.
Understanding Vape Types: Open vs Closed Pod Systems
One of the most confusing parts of choosing a vape can be understanding the difference between open and closed pod systems. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Open Pod Systems
What they are:
Open pod systems allow users to refill the e-liquid manually. They usually have a reusable battery and a refillable pod or cartridge.
Pros:
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Reusable, potentially more cost-effective long term.
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Greater control over e-liquid use (within legal flavours and concentrations).
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Flexibility in pod replacement.
Cons:
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Requires more maintenance and cleaning.
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Easier to misuse if not used under guidance.
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Risk of illegal or unsafe liquids if sourced outside pharmacies.
Suitable for:
People who prefer a more customizable system and are comfortable handling vape equipment responsibly.
Closed Pod Systems
What they are:
These come with pre-filled cartridges that snap into the battery base. You simply replace the pod when it’s empty.
Pros:
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Simple to use, insert the pod, inhale, and replace when needed.
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Less mess, no refilling.
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Products from pharmacies meet safety standards (nicotine strength, flavours, and quality).
Cons:
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Generally more expensive per unit.
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Limited in choice, only TGA-approved pods are available.
Suitable for:
First-time vapers, people who want a safer, no-fuss option, and anyone on a medically supervised quit plan.
Why Closed Pod Systems Are More Common in Pharmacies
As of 2025, most TGA-approved products in Australia are closed pod systems. This is because they’re easier to regulate and reduce the risk of unapproved refilling or misuse. Closed pods sold through pharmacies are:
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Tightly controlled in terms of nicotine concentration.
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Only available in approved flavours.
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Manufactured by registered pharmaceutical suppliers.
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Dispensed with professional guidance.
This makes them a safer and more straightforward option for people who are using vaping as part of a smoking cessation program.
What Makes a Vape Product Legal in 2025?
To ensure you're using a vape product legally in Australia, here’s what to check:
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Nicotine prescription from your GP or authorized prescriber.
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Product purchased through a registered pharmacy.
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Contains only TGA-approved ingredients and flavourings (tobacco, mint, menthol).
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Product listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
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Appropriate labelling and packaging as per government guidelines.
Tip: If a product is available online from overseas sellers without a prescription or offers flavours like “bubblegum” or “strawberry milkshake,” it’s not legal in Australia, even if it looks like a regulated product.
Making the Right Choice for Your Quit Journey
Choosing the right vape system isn’t just about preference, it’s about safety, compliance, and what supports your personal quit plan.
Consider the following:
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Your smoking habits: Are you a light smoker or a pack-a-day user?
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Your comfort level with devices: Do you prefer something easy and disposable (within legal limits) or something you can control?
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Medical support: Have you spoken to your GP or pharmacist about your goals and options?
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Compliance: Is your chosen product legal and from a trusted pharmacy?
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with a conversation. Pharmacists and GPs are increasingly trained in smoking cessation support, including nicotine replacement therapies like vapes.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons of Vaping in 2025
Pros:
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Less harmful than smoking cigarettes (when used as intended).
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Available only through medical channels, improving product quality.
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It can be effective in managing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
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Tailored quit plans are available through pharmacies.
Cons:
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Not completely risk-free.
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Still contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance.
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It should not be used recreationally, especially by non-smokers.
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Fewer flavour options may make the transition harder for some users.
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Initial prescription and product costs may feel higher than illegal vapes, though safer in the long run.
Where to Get Trusted Help in Australia
There are plenty of judgement-free, professional resources that can help you navigate vaping as part of your quit journey:
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Your GP: You can prescribe nicotine vapes legally and recommend a quit plan.
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Quit Clinics and Services: Offer holistic support with doctors, psychologists, and pharmacists involved.
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Pharmacies: Many are now equipped to provide nicotine vape products, advice, and ongoing support.
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Quitline (13 78 48): Free, confidential advice from trained counsellors.
Final Word
Australia’s vape scene in 2025 is vastly different from the unregulated market of just a few years ago, and that’s a good thing. Safer, prescription-only vape options and a shift towards healthcare-guided support mean more Australians can make informed, empowered decisions on their journey to quit smoking.
Whether you choose an open or closed pod system or another form of nicotine replacement, the most important thing is that you’re choosing your health. And you don’t have to do it alone, help is here when you need it.
