If you smoke or know someone who does, big changes are coming in 2025 that will affect how tobacco products are sold, packaged, and even how they taste. Australia is introducing new tobacco control laws designed to make smoking less appealing and to support more people in quitting. From July 1, 2025, many familiar products will either be altered or gone altogether.
No More Menthol or Flavoured Tobacco
Menthol cigarettes and accessories like crush balls will no longer be sold. Other flavour additives such as clove and rum are also banned. These flavours reduce the harshness of smoke, making it easier for people—especially young people—to start smoking and harder to quit. Menthol also increases nicotine’s impact on the brain, leading to greater dependence.
Standardised Packaging and Product Design
From 2025, tobacco products will:
- Remove misleading terms like “smooth” or “gold”
- Be sold only in standardised pack sizes—20 sticks per pack and 30g for roll-your-own tobacco
- Feature uniform shapes, lengths, and filters to eliminate false impressions about reduced harm
These changes target marketing strategies that make smoking appear less dangerous or more appealing to new users.
Stronger Health Warnings and Quit Support
While these changes won’t make smoking any safer, they will highlight its risks more clearly.
Expect to see:
- Updated health warnings on packs and products
- Information cards inside packaging offering quit support and resources
These measures aim to give consumers a clearer picture of the health risks and encourage more people to quit.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Australia has made significant progress in reducing smoking rates, but tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, killing over 24,000 Australians each year.
This next phase of reform is part of the National Tobacco Strategy 2023–2030. The goal: reduce smoking rates even further, protect young people, and help current smokers quit for good. Countries like Canada and members of the European Union have already introduced similar bans on menthol and other harmful product features.
What This Means for Smokers
If you currently use menthol products or smoke tobacco that features any of the soon-to-be-banned characteristics, your regular product may no longer be available after July 2025.
That might feel like a big shift, but it could also be the perfect opportunity to consider quitting.
Support Is Available
Quitting smoking is challenging, but you’re not alone—and there are effective tools and support systems available:
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medications and quit aid or an online spcialised service like Quit Hero
- Call Quitline (13 7848) for free, confidential support
- Download the My QuitBuddy app to track your progress, manage cravings, and connect with others on the same journey
Moving Forward
These changes are designed to make smoking less appealing and to reduce the harm it causes in our communities. If you’ve been thinking about quitting, this could be your chance.
