The long-anticipated changes to Australia’s vaping regulations are now in effect. As of 1 July 2025, only therapeutic nicotine vaping products that meet the strengthened Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) standards can be supplied through pharmacies. These updated rules mark a critical step in improving the safety, quality, and consistency of vaping products used for quitting smoking or managing nicotine dependence. Whether you’re someone on a quit journey, a prescriber, or a pharmacist here’s what these changes mean now that they’re live.
What’s Now Required?
From 1 July 2025, only TGA-compliant therapeutic vapes can be legally supplied in Australian pharmacies.
To meet compliance, all products — including vape substances, devices, kits, and accessories — must align with strict guidelines on ingredients, packaging, labelling, and technical design.
Permitted Ingredients (No Additions Allowed):
- Nicotine (maximum 50mg/mL)
- Propylene glycol
- Glycerol
- Water
- Mint, menthol, or tobacco flavour only
Packaging and Labelling:
- Plain, uniform packaging
- No creative flavour names
- Information leaflets required for consumers
- Clear labelling and instructions on both devices and accessories
Device and Accessory Requirements:
Products must meet new technical standards for:
- Medical device quality and risk management
- Electrical and battery safety
- Toxicological risk assessment
- Overall construction and design integrity
What This Means for Consumers
If you're currently using a vape to help manage nicotine withdrawal or quit smoking, your regular product may no longer be available.
This is part of a national effort to ensure safer and more reliable therapeutic vape options — but it does mean that some brands have been removed from the TGA’s Notified Vape List.
What to Do Now:
- Speak to your pharmacist or prescriber if your product is no longer available
- Ask about compliant alternatives now stocked in pharmacies
- Consider first-line treatments like patches, gum, and lozenges — many are TGA-approved and subsidised under the PBS
For Prescribers: Update Prescriptions Where Needed
Any prescription that was issued for a vaping product no longer meeting TGA standards can no longer be filled. Your patients will need a new prescription for a compliant product.
Refer to the TGA Notified Vape List to stay up to date with products available for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence support.
For Pharmacists: Ensure Stock Is Compliant
Pharmacies must now be fully compliant. This includes:
- Reviewing current inventory and removing non-compliant products
- Returning or safely disposing of any outdated stock
- Training staff on the updated standards and available alternatives
- Informing customers and prescribers about the changes
- Consulting the TGA Notified Vape List when ordering or restocking
Why These Changes Matter
These strengthened standards are part of Australia’s broader vaping reform strategy — prioritising consumer safety, public health, and product accountability.
The TGA’s goal is to ensure that any vaping product used for therapeutic purposes is held to the same rigorous standard as other medical devices and treatments.
It’s also a timely reminder that vaping is not the first recommended option for quitting smoking. Behavioural support and TGA-approved nicotine replacement therapies remain the preferred first-line treatments.
Quit Hero Is Here to Support You
At Quit Hero, we know change can feel overwhelming — especially when you’ve already taken steps toward quitting.
We're committed to helping you stay informed, supported, and on track during this transition. Whether you're switching to a compliant vape or considering other quitting tools, you're not alone.
Speak with your pharmacist or prescriber about your options, and remember: the right support makes all the difference.
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