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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