Retail businesses across Melbourne issued infringement notices totalling almost $400k for alleged unlawful supply of vapes

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a combined total of $396,000 in infringement notices to 20 Melbourne retail businesses for the alleged unlawful supply of vaping goods.

In December 2024, in a joint activity with the Victorian Department of Health, the TGA visited retail businesses across Melbourne. As a result of this activity, 20 retail businesses have been issued infringement notices for allegedly supplying unlawful vaping goods.

Each business was issued with a $19,800 infringement notice.

Since 1 July 2024, Commonwealth and state and territory enforcement officers have been inspecting retail stores across the country to undertake education and compliance activities relating to the unlawful supply, commercial possession and advertising of vaping goods.

Over 7 million vaping products have been seized by the Australian Border Force and the TGA since 1 January 2024. From 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024, the TGA has issued 54 infringement notices to businesses and individuals for the alleged advertising, supply, possession or import of unlawful vapes.

“The impact of nicotine, particularly on young Australians, is insidious from both health and social perspectives,” said Professor Anthony Lawler, Head of the TGA and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.

“What we are doing is not just about enforcing the law, it is about protecting the health and wellbeing of Australians now and into the future.”

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Tarun Weeramanthri AM, said alongside nicotine, illicit vapes can contain many other toxic chemicals, which are damaging when repeatedly inhaled.

“These chemicals present a real public health risk to users, and this is why there are such clear restrictions around who can manufacture, import and supply vapes.”

These operations continue to highlight the commitment of the TGA, federal agencies and state and territory governments to ensure compliance with the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024, which prohibits retailers, such as service stations and tobacconists, from selling any type of vape.

Only Australian pharmacies are permitted to supply vapes, in clinically appropriate circumstances for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence.

The TGA encourages anyone with information about the unlawful sale of vaping goods to report it. To learn more about the regulation of vaping goods, visit the TGA’s 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