The legal framework
Australia introduced plain packaging in 2012, the first country to do so, and has used sustained tax increases to push cigarette prices to among the highest anywhere. Since 2024 vapes are regulated as a therapeutic product: they are sold through pharmacies rather than retail, and importing them commercially is restricted. The legal age is eighteen for alcohol and tobacco.
Australia invented plain packaging in 2012 and has the highest cigarette prices in the world, driven by annual excise increases. The vaping model changed significantly in 2024: importing and selling recreational vapes was closed off, and since October 2024 adults can buy therapeutic vaping products from a pharmacy without a prescription. The unintended consequence has been a large illicit market, now the main enforcement problem.
Key points
| Legal age | 18 for both alcohol and tobacco |
|---|---|
| Plain packaging | World first, in 2012 |
| Price | Among the highest cigarette prices in the world, through sustained taxation |
| Vapes | Regulated as therapeutic goods and sold through pharmacies since 2024 |
| Illicit trade | A recognised consequence of high prices, with a growing illegal market |
| Quit services | Free national quitline with coaching and support |
| Guidance | No more than ten standard drinks a week and four on any one day |
In practice
- The national quitline is free and provides multi-session coaching, which roughly doubles success rates.
- Cessation medication is subsidised on the national medicines scheme.
- Vapes are now obtained through a pharmacy, with or without a prescription depending on the product.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander quit programmes are culturally adapted and free.
Cost and coverage
The quitline is free; cessation medication is subsidised on the national scheme.
Recent changes
The 2024 vaping reforms ended retail sale of recreational vapes and moved supply into pharmacies, with over-the-counter access for adults from October 2024. Enforcement has since focused on illicit tobacco and vape supply, a growing problem in several states.
Where to go
- Quitline, free nationally.
- Aboriginal community controlled health services.
- Pharmacies for vapes and cessation medication.
Worth knowing
High prices have created a substantial illegal tobacco market. Illegally imported products carry no quality control at all and have been linked to violent competition between suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you legally buy a vape in Australia?
From a pharmacy. Since October 2024 adults can obtain therapeutic vaping products over the counter without a prescription, under eighteens still need one. Retail sale outside pharmacies is prohibited, and importing vapes for personal use is not permitted.
Why are cigarettes so expensive in Australia?
Because excise has risen well above inflation for over a decade as a deliberate policy. A packet costs several times what it does in most of Europe. Smoking rates have fallen substantially, but the price gap has also fuelled a large illicit tobacco trade.
Official sources and links
- Federal Register of Legislation — Commonwealth law as made and in force
- Services Australia — government services and payments