New Vape Product Standards Are Here: What You Need to Know

As of 1 July 2025, new national standards are in place for therapeutic nicotine vaping products across Australia. Introduced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), these updated rules apply to all vapes supplied through pharmacies as part of quitting smoking or managing nicotine dependence.

This latest phase of Australia’s broader vaping reform focuses on product safety, quality, and oversight — and it’s already making an impact on what’s available in pharmacies.

What’s Changed?

From now on, pharmacies can only supply vape products that meet updated TGA standards. Products that don’t comply have been removed from the TGA-notified list, which means:

• They can no longer be legally sold or prescribed

• Some familiar brands may have disappeared

• Certain sponsors have chosen to withdraw products from the market

Key Standards Introduced on 1 July 2025

Ingredients

Only the following ingredients are now permitted:

• Nicotine (up to 50mg/mL)

• Propylene glycol

• Glycerol

• Water

• Flavours limited to mint, menthol, or tobacco

Packaging & Labelling

• Plain, minimal design for devices and accessories

• Mandatory information leaflets in every package

• Updated usage instructions and safety labels now required

Device Safety Standards

Manufacturers must meet new requirements covering:

• Battery and electrical safety

• Toxicological risk assessments

• Risk management processes

• Medical-grade manufacturing practices

What This Means for You

If your go-to vape product has recently changed or is no longer available, you're not imagining it. Here's what's happening:

• Some products have been discontinued or reformulated

• Pharmacies may have limited stock during this transition

• You may need to talk to your pharmacist or prescriber about new compliant options

• Prescriptions issued before 1 July 2025 for non-compliant products can no longer be filled

Keep in mind: while these products are allowed under certain conditions, no vaping product has been registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). They're still considered unapproved medicines, supplied under strict access rules.

Quit Support: Vapes Are Not the First-Line Option

While therapeutic vapes are one option under medical supervision, the TGA recommends other methods first, including:

• Behavioural support

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) — such as patches, gum, and lozenges
  (many of which are subsidised under the PBS)

Need help choosing what’s right for you? A health professional or our team at Quitmed can guide you through your quit options — every step of the way.

For Pharmacists and Prescribers

With the new standards now live:

• Only compliant products should be available in pharmacies

• Non-compliant stock must be removed, returned, or disposed of properly

• Prescribers need to update prescriptions to match compliant options listed on the TGA-notified vape list

• Ongoing patient education is essential to support a smooth transition

Want to Learn More?

• Visit the TGA Vaping Hub for official guidance

• Watch webinars from TGA and the PSA to stay informed

• Access quit resources and support through Quitmed and other trusted services

A Final Word from Quitmed

We know that regulatory changes can be challenging to keep up with — especially for those already navigating a quit journey. But these changes are designed to improve product safety, quality, and consistency for everyone involved.

Whether you're a consumer, pharmacist, or prescriber, Quitmed is here to help you make sense of it all.

If you're thinking about quitting smoking — or just need help understanding how these new rules affect you — reach out today. We’re here to support you on the path to a smoke-free future.