Vapes
About vapes
Vapes are also known as e-cigarettes or personal vapourisers. They heat liquid, which often contains nicotine, into a fine vapour for inhalation into the lungs.
Products vary widely in design and operation, but typically consist of a battery, heating element, and a cartridge or refillable tank containing substances such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nicotine and flavourings.
At present, no vapes have been assessed for safety, quality or efficacy and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for sale in Australia.
Read the health concerns about vapes.
Supply of vapes
It is unlawful for retailers, including tobacconists and convenience stores, to sell any type of vape, regardless of whether the product contains nicotine. Vapes also cannot be stocked and supplied from a vending machine or imported from overseas retailers for personal use.
Therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation, and the management of nicotine dependence can only be supplied by pharmacies, where clinically appropriate. A prescription is required before vapes can be dispensed with a nicotine concentration that is greater than 20mg/ml or to a person under 18 years of age.
To report illegal sale or possession of vaping goods containing nicotine, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or complete the Reporting a possible breach of smoking laws online form.
There is information on the TGA website about national vape controls for:
More information about state controls on retail supply
Vaping and smoking bans
Vaping is prohibited where smoking bans apply. This includes all enclosed public places and many outdoor areas including outdoor public areas , eating and drinking venues and education , healthcare and residential aged care facilities, as well as some communal areas in multi-unit residential premises .
Signage and resources to support compliance with smoke-free laws are available from Queensland Health.
Queensland Health authorised officers enforce statewide bans on smoking and vaping. To report a possible breach of smoking or vaping laws, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or complete the Reporting a possible breach of smoking laws online form.
To report illegal sale or possession of electronic cigarettes or electronic cigarette products containing nicotine, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).