Australia’s Latest Smoking and Vaping Laws (2026)
Australia has some of the strictest smoking and vaping laws in the world. From new tobacco product standards to pharmacy-only vape access, the rules have changed quickly, and many smokers are understandably confused.
This guide explains the latest Australian smoking and vaping laws in plain English, including what has changed for cigarettes, menthol and capsule tobacco products, vape access, pharmacy supply, prescriptions and what it all means if you are thinking about quitting smoking.
In this guide
Quick Summary
From 1 July 2025, all tobacco products sold in Australia must comply with new tobacco laws. These laws restrict certain flavours, ingredients, accessories and packaging features designed to make smoking more appealing.
Menthol, rum, clove and other flavour-related additives are banned in tobacco products. Accessories such as crush balls are also banned because they can make cigarettes feel smoother and easier to smoke.
Vapes are now regulated as therapeutic products. They can only be supplied through participating pharmacies for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence. General retailers cannot legally sell vapes in Australia.
Australia’s New Tobacco Laws
Australia has been a world leader in tobacco control for many years. Plain packaging, graphic health warnings, tobacco advertising bans and regular tobacco excise increases have all been used to reduce smoking rates and discourage young people from taking up smoking.
The latest wave of reforms goes even further. Rather than only changing how cigarettes are packaged, the new laws also change how tobacco products can look, taste, feel and be sold.
These changes are designed to reduce the appeal of cigarettes and other tobacco products, make the harms of smoking clearer, and encourage more people to quit.
What changed?
- Certain flavours and ingredients are banned
- Menthol and capsule cigarettes are no longer allowed
- Pack sizes are more standardised
- Health warnings are being strengthened
- Products must comply with new tobacco standards
Why it changed
- To make tobacco products less appealing
- To reduce smoking uptake
- To prevent products from masking tobacco harshness
- To make quitting easier
- To reduce smoking-related harm
Menthol and Capsule Cigarettes Are Banned
One of the biggest changes is the ban on menthol cigarettes and crush-ball capsule cigarettes.
Menthol has traditionally been used to create a cooling sensation and make cigarette smoke feel smoother. Capsule cigarettes, sometimes called crush-ball cigarettes, allow smokers to release flavour into the cigarette while smoking.
These products can make cigarettes feel less harsh, which may make it easier for people to start smoking and harder for existing smokers to quit. Under the updated laws, menthol, capsule products and certain flavour-related additives are no longer permitted in tobacco products sold in Australia.
What products are affected?
- Menthol cigarettes
- Crush-ball or capsule cigarettes
- Flavoured tobacco products using banned flavour-related additives
- Products designed to change the taste, smell or feel of tobacco smoke
New Packaging, Product and Naming Restrictions
The reforms also affect how tobacco products are packaged and presented. Tobacco products sold in Australia must now comply with updated requirements around packaging, product appearance and permitted pack sizes.
The goal is to reduce variation across the market and prevent products from using names, packaging features or product designs that make smoking appear more attractive.
For smokers, this means some products may look different, taste different, feel different or no longer be available at all.
| Change | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Menthol and flavours banned | Certain flavour-related additives can no longer be used. | Flavours can mask tobacco harshness and make smoking more appealing. |
| Capsules banned | Crush-ball cigarettes and similar flavour-changing features are no longer allowed. | Capsules can make cigarettes feel smoother and easier to smoke. |
| Standardised pack sizes | Tobacco products must be sold in specific permitted sizes. | This reduces product variation and marketing tactics. |
| Stronger health messaging | Health warnings and product presentation rules are being strengthened. | This makes smoking-related harm harder to ignore. |
Timeline of the New Tobacco Regulations
The tobacco reforms have been introduced in stages to give manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers time to adjust.
1 April 2024
The new tobacco legislation came into effect, with transition arrangements to allow the industry to prepare for the updated requirements.
1 April 2025
Manufacturers and importers could no longer supply tobacco products that did not comply with the updated tobacco product requirements.
1 July 2025
All tobacco products sold in Australia had to comply with the new tobacco laws. Retailers could no longer sell non-compliant products.
2026 and beyond
Australian authorities continue to monitor smoking, vaping and tobacco regulation, with ongoing enforcement and public health campaigns.
Australian Vaping Laws: What Changed?
Australia has also introduced major reforms to vaping products. The vaping reforms changed the way vapes can be imported, manufactured, supplied, advertised and commercially possessed in Australia.
The key change is that vapes are no longer treated like ordinary retail products. They are regulated as therapeutic vaping goods when used for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence.
This means vapes cannot legally be sold by convenience stores, tobacconists, vape shops, petrol stations or general online retailers. Vapes can only be supplied through lawful therapeutic channels.
Important: Retail vape sales are illegal
In Australia, vapes cannot legally be sold by general retail stores. Therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence can only be sold through participating pharmacies, subject to the relevant conditions and state or territory laws.
Pharmacy-Only Vape Access
Since 1 July 2024, vapes for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence have been available only through participating pharmacies. This applies to vaping products whether or not they contain nicotine.
From 1 October 2024, people aged 18 and over have been able to access some therapeutic vapes from participating pharmacies without a prescription, provided the nicotine concentration is 20 mg/mL or less, the pharmacist is consulted, and state or territory laws allow it.
When supplying a therapeutic vape without a prescription, pharmacists must check age, discuss product and dosage, and talk through other options to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.
When Is a Prescription Still Required?
A prescription is still required in some situations.
Prescription usually required
- Nicotine concentrations greater than 20 mg/mL
- Patients under 18, where access is legally permitted
- Products or circumstances requiring medical assessment
- Where state or territory law requires a prescription
May be available without prescription
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less
- Participating pharmacy supply
- Pharmacist consultation completed
- Where state or territory law allows
New Product Standards for Therapeutic Vapes
From 1 July 2025, strengthened TGA product standards apply to therapeutic vaping goods used for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence.
Pharmacies can only supply therapeutic vapes that meet the required product standards and are included on the TGA’s list of notified vapes. These standards are designed to improve safety, quality and consistency across lawful therapeutic vaping products.
This is one reason it is important to avoid illegal retailers or unregulated products. Products sold outside the lawful therapeutic supply chain may not meet Australian standards.
What These Changes Mean for Smokers
For smokers, the message is clear: cigarettes are becoming more restricted, more expensive and less appealing by design.
Products that some smokers relied on, such as menthol cigarettes or capsule cigarettes, are no longer legally available. At the same time, vaping products are no longer available through retail channels and are regulated through therapeutic pathways.
For many Australians, these changes may be the push they need to quit smoking altogether.
What smokers can do now
- Speak with a healthcare professional about quitting
- Consider evidence-based quit-smoking support
- Understand the legal pathways for nicotine dependence treatment
- Avoid illegal tobacco and vape retailers
- Create a realistic quit plan with ongoing support
Thinking About Quitting?
Quitting smoking is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term health. It can reduce your risk of serious disease, improve breathing and fitness, and help you regain control over nicotine dependence.
The challenge is that quitting can be difficult without support. Cravings, withdrawal symptoms and habit triggers can all make it harder to stop, especially if you have smoked for many years.
The good news is that there are more support options available than ever before, including behavioural support, nicotine replacement therapy, prescription options and therapeutic pathways where clinically appropriate.
Quit Smoking with Kicko
Kicko provides personalised nicotine dependence treatment designed to support adult smokers on their quit journey.
Our team offers:
- Free initial nurse consults
- Personalised quit-smoking support
- Access to treatment options where clinically appropriate
- Ongoing support throughout your journey
- Convenient online consultations from home
Whether you are trying to quit for the first time or have tried before, support can make the process feel more manageable.
Ready to start?
If you are thinking about quitting smoking, Kicko can help you understand your options and create a quit plan that suits your needs.
Learn how Kicko works or read our beginner’s guide to quitting smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are menthol cigarettes banned in Australia?
Yes. Under Australia’s updated tobacco laws, menthol and other flavour-related additives are banned in tobacco products sold in Australia.
Are capsule cigarettes banned in Australia?
Yes. Crush-ball and capsule cigarettes are banned because they can change the taste or feel of smoking and make cigarettes more appealing.
Can retailers still sell old tobacco stock?
From 1 July 2025, all tobacco products sold in Australia must comply with the new tobacco laws. Retailers can no longer sell non-compliant tobacco products.
Can you buy vapes from vape shops in Australia?
No. General retail sale of vapes is illegal in Australia. Therapeutic vapes can only be supplied through participating pharmacies, subject to the relevant legal requirements.
Do adults need a prescription for vapes in Australia?
It depends. Adults aged 18 and over may be able to access therapeutic vapes with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less from participating pharmacies without a prescription, where state or territory law allows. A prescription is still required in some cases, including for higher nicotine strengths.
Are vaping laws the same in every state?
National laws regulate vaping goods, but state and territory laws may also apply. This means access requirements can vary depending on where you live.
Why did Australia change its smoking and vaping laws?
The reforms aim to reduce smoking rates, prevent youth vaping, reduce the appeal of tobacco products and ensure vaping products are only used through appropriate therapeutic pathways.
What should I do if I want to quit smoking?
Start by speaking with a healthcare professional. A personalised quit plan can help you manage cravings, choose appropriate support options and stay on track.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s smoking and vaping laws have changed significantly. Tobacco products are now more tightly controlled, menthol and capsule cigarettes are banned, and vapes are regulated through pharmacy-based therapeutic pathways.
For smokers, these changes may feel frustrating at first, especially if a familiar product is no longer available. But they also create an opportunity to take the next step and quit smoking with proper support.
At Kicko, we help Australians understand their options and support them throughout their quit smoking journey with personalised clinical advice and ongoing care.
Continue Reading
Explore more Kicko guides about quitting smoking, vaping laws and nicotine dependence treatment.
Last updated: July 2026. This article is general information only and does not replace medical, legal or regulatory advice. Smoking and vaping laws can change. Always check current Australian Government, TGA and state or territory requirements.