Electronic cigarettes in Western Australia

Vapes can only be legally supplied in Western Australia through a registered pharmacy. This includes vaping substances, accessories and devices (with or without nicotine).

Non-pharmacy retailers, such as tobacconists, vape shops, and convenience stores, cannot sell any type of vaping product.

Any person selling vapes without authority, either from physical premises or online, may be liable for offences under the:

• Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (external site)
• Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 (WA) (external site)
• Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 (WA) (external site)

Vapes for smoking cessation, or managing nicotine dependence continue to be available from pharmacies if they meet Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulatory requirements. This includes:

• Flavours limited to mint, menthol and tobacco
• Plain pharmaceutical-like packaging

Note: Disposable vapes cannot be supplied, regardless of whether they include nicotine.

From 31 October 2024, Western Australian law requires nicotine vapes to be supplied only on prescription. Pharmacists in WA cannot supply nicotine vapes over the counter (without a prescription), regardless of the nicotine concentration.

The Department of Health enforces WA’s laws on e-cigarettes. You can report a person or a business to:vape.report@health.wa.gov.au

We keep your details confidential and only share them when we need to by law, or with your consent. We may share information you give us with other agencies to coordinate and resolve issues.

We cannot provide feedback on the progress or outcomes of investigations. If any further information is needed, we will contact you.

Vape aerosol is known to contain harmful chemicals, increase levels of fine and ultrafine particulate matter, and impact indoor air quality. Owners/managers may choose to implement a policy applying to their premises which prohibits the use of vapes wherever smoking is prohibited.

Possible wording for such a policy:

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) and other personal vaporisers for delivery of nicotine or other substances are not permitted to be used in any area where smoking is restricted.

• RACGP Supporting smoking cessation: Guide for health professionals (external link)
• PSA Professional practice guidelines for pharmacists: Nicotine dependence support (external link)
• Smoking and vaping cessation resources
• TGA Vaping Hub (external link)