Nicotine vaping products are products ready to supply to consumers that:

- Contain nicotine (whether in base or salt form) in solution
- Are intended to be vaporised or inhaled using a vaping device (e.g. an e-cigarette or other electronic nicotine delivery system).

Common nicotine vaping products are liquid nicotine (e.g. nicotine e-liquids, e-juices and vape juices), including high-concentration liquid nicotine, intended for dilution by consumers prior to use, and the nicotine solution in prefilled nicotine e-cigarettes and pods.

Vaping devices are the electronic devices used to heat vaping products to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled. Vaping devices include e-cigars, vape pens, other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs) and the electrical and heating elements of prefilled nicotine e-cigarettes and pods.

There is a product standard, TGO 110, which sets minimum safety and quality requirements for unapproved and export only nicotine vaping products.

There are two main types of devices: open system devices and closed system devices. 

Closed system devices include pod-based systems and disposables.

Evidence of the potential efficacy of nicotine vaping products for smoking cessation is currently mixed, with more reliable, large-scale studies required. 

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Guidelines state that there is a lack of well conducted randomised controlled trials comparing nicotine vaping products with approved pharmacotherapies, such as bupropion and varenicline. 

The strongest evidence base for efficacy and safety is for currently approved pharmacological therapies combined with behavioural support.

These scheduling changes affect all nicotine vaping products.

Nicotine replacement therapies (including sprays, patches, lozenges and chews), are not in need of a prescription, and will continue to be available from VITAL+ Pharmacy.

There are currently no nicotine vaping products registered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) does not assess the safety, quality and efficacy of ‘unapproved’ nicotine vaping products or products listed in the ARTG as export only medicines. 

The long-term health risks of unapproved nicotine vaping products are still unclear and evidence of their potential efficacy for smoking cessation is currently mixed, with more reliable, large-scale studies required. 

A valid prescription is required to purchase nicotine vaping products from VITAL+ Pharmacy.

There are serious health risks related to nicotine use.

The long-term health risks of unapproved nicotine vaping products are still unclear and evidence of their potential efficacy for smoking cessation is currently mixed, with more reliable, large-scale studies required. 

Please refer to your doctor or one of our pharmacists to get more information regarding the severe health risks of nicotine.

Nicotine is a poisonous substance. 

Given its toxicity and potential for serious harms to human health, including death if ingested, nicotine vaping products are subject to controls under the Commonwealth Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (Poisons Standard). 

You will be able to purchase nicotine vaping products from VITAL+ Pharmacy if you show a valid prescription.

No. Vape shops are not legally allowed to sell nicotine vaping products, either before or after the 1 October 2021 regulatory changes. 

Prescription medicines can only be sold by pharmacies to consumers with a valid medical prescription. 

A valid prescription is required to purchase nicotine vaping products from VITAL+ Pharmacy.

Vape shops can still sell non-nicotine containing vaping products, subject to state and territory requirements.

You may still be able to access nicotine vaping products if your doctor considers them to be an appropriate treatment to help you stop smoking and gives you a valid medical prescription. You will not be able to access nicotine vaping products at VITAL+ Pharmacy without a valid medical prescription, regardless of the purpose for which you use them.