Vaping laws coming into effect from today in some other parts of Australia will not apply in Tasmania, the Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch, has confirmed.

From today, 1 October 2024, national laws about the sale of e-cigarette products have changed.

This means that in some mainland jurisdictions, adults can buy certain e-cigarette products over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription.

However, in Tasmania existing laws restricting the buying and selling of e-cigarettes will remain in place.

Dr Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, said: “Despite changes elsewhere Tasmania is retaining the current requirements for the buying and selling of e-cigarette products.

‘This means adults still require a doctor’s prescription to access e-cigarettes, e-liquid and vaping devices from a pharmacy in Tasmania.

“The sale of e-cigarettes, e-liquid and vaping devices to people aged less than 18 years remains prohibited in Tasmania.”

The Public Health Guidelines relating to the sale of e-cigarette products remain in place while the Public Health Amendment (Vaping) Bill 2024 is debated in Parliament. 

What this means for Tasmanians: 

• adults can still only legally buy e-cigarettes, e-liquid and vaping devices from pharmacies and require a doctor’s prescription to do so.

• it is still illegal to sell e-cigarettes, e-liquid and vaping devices to people under 18 years of age.

Dr Veitch said the Guideline will continue to enable Tasmanian adults choosing to access e-cigarettes to support their reduction or cessation of tobacco to continue to do so with medical support and a prescription, and legally sold products.

The Guideline maintains current requirements for a prescription to legally access e-cigarette products. This avoids an abrupt change to the legal supply of e-cigarettes on 1 October 2024, followed by a reversal of this some weeks later should the Bill be passed.

To support young people to quit vaping the Department of Health has also implemented a number of information resources, including:

• Vaping, Youth and Health e-learning package for schools and teachers, including classroom resources, and information for parents.

• Do you know what you’re vaping? resources on the Department of Health website, for young people, parents and carers, and schools.

For help to stop smoking and vaping:

• Talk to your health professional. 

• Call the Tasmanian Quitline on 13 QUIT or visit their website: www.quittas.org.au  

• Download the My QuitBuddy app: www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/my-quitbuddy-app

• Find more on how to provide support for a person who wants to quit on the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website: www.health.gov.au/vaping/for-parents-and-carers

Learn more about:

• Tasmanian laws at: www.health.tas.gov.au/smoking-product-legislation

• e-cigarettes and vaping at: www.health.tas.gov.au/vaping