Starting 1 March 2024, vaping will be (mostly) banned in Australia. This change is intended to bring vaping back to the original purpose of being used as a tool to quit cigarette smoking, and to ban vaping recreationally.

Currently, Vaping ‘for fun’, not as a tool to quit smoking. Recreational vaping can lead to dependence.recreational vapes (like the ones available in convenience stores) are not regulated and some are high in nicotine, which is very addictive.

We don’t know the effects of vaping yet (even without nicotine), but early research shows there are toxic chemicals – learn more.

Here we explain what the ban will be, services that can help you quit, and how to ask for help.

What Australia’s vaping ban will do

Vapes with nicotine can still be accessed through a prescription.

Vapes were originally introduced in Australia to help smokers quit, and this will stay legal. This means you can see a doctor or nurse to get a prescription for a nicotine vape and buy it at a pharmacy.

These are also known as ‘therapeutic vapes’ because they’re considered a tool to address a health issue.

Non-nicotine vape products.

Until now, non-nicotine vape products have been legal in Australia. These have no health benefit, and the flavours and packaging are targeted to children and young people.

Because there’s no easy way to tell vapes with and without nicotine apart, allowing ‘non-nicotine’ vape products is a loophole for selling illegal vapes containing nicotine.

This new ban means a prescription is the only way to legally buy a vape with nicotine in Australia.

New standards for how vapes are imported.

You will no longer be able to order vapes from overseas anymore, even if you have a prescription.

Anyone importing therapeutic vapes needs a license, permit and has to notify the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA).

Flavours will be limited to mint, menthol and tobacco.

If you want to quit vaping

  • Talk to a GP. You can use our guide to finding a healthcare professional you trust to help.
  • Try your school or uni doctor or mental health service. They can either help you directly or connect you with a good local service.
  • Call Quitline 13 78 48 or use their website to build a quit plan.
  • Mental health services. You might vape to help you deal with other stresses in your life. The withdrawal process can also have mental impacts like making it hard to concentrate, or making you feel restless or grumpy. This is where mental health support can help.
    • Headspace 1800 650 890
    • Kids Helpline (5-25 years old) 1800 55 1800
    • ReachOut online mental health support
  • Learn more about the health impacts of vaping.

How to ask for help to quit vaping

It can be hard to quit alone. Lean on your friends and/or trusted adults to support you.

Youth workers are trained professionals who get the unique needs of young people, and can provide basic mental health support. Try the youth team in a local community service - local councils, Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations (ACCOs) and community health centres often have youth workers.

An AOD stands for alcohol and other drugs.AOD worker is trained specifically in helping you with dependence. YoDAA can help you work out what support you need and find a service near you.

An AOD worker can also help you manage other parts of your life:

  • School. If you’re used to vaping at school or around school time, you might find it hard to concentrate or be social at the start of quitting. A youth worker can help you work out some support options.
  • Parents or guardians. If you’re worried about talking to your parent or guardian about vaping or how its impacting other parts of your life, a youth worker can give you advice so you feel safe and supported. For example, they might help you work out how to talk to your parent or carer if you’re nervous about it.