Sunshine Coast business fined over $37k for alleged unlawful sale of vapes

A Sunshine Coast tobacconist has been fined $37,560 after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued it with infringement notices for the alleged unlawful possession of a commercial quantity of vaping goods, as part of the TGA's enforcement activities against illegal vapes.

The vaping goods were located when the TGA executed search warrants across multiple businesses on 18 and 19 September 2024 as part of a joint operation with Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service. Over 4,900 vapes and almost 300 tins of nicotine pouches, in addition to tobacco, were seized during this 2-day operation.

Since 1 July 2024, enforcement officers have been visiting retail stores across the country to educate and issue warnings about unlawful supply, commercial possession and advertising of vaping goods, with information materials disseminated widely. Where non-compliance is suspected, officers have executed search warrants and seized unlawful vapes, as well as other illegal products.

The enforcement operations highlight the commitment of both the TGA and Queensland Health to ensuring compliance with the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024, which prohibits retailers such as tobacconists and convenience stores from selling any type of vape. Only Australian pharmacies are permitted to supply vapes.

“For those out there who are unlawfully supplying vapes, in vape stores or other retail settings, significant penalties will apply," said Professor Anthony Lawler, Head of the TGA and Chief Medical Officer. "The TGA will continue to work with state and territory authorities to remove illicit vapes from the market and will take action against those people and businesses contravening the new laws."

The TGA encourages anyone with information about the unlawful sale of vaping goods to report it through the TGA’s Report a breach page. To learn more about the regulation of vaping goods, visit the TGA Vaping hub.

This operation follows previous work by the TGA and QLD Health, including: TGA and Queensland authorities seize alleged illicit vaping goods and nicotine pouches in joint enforcement operation.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400