Australia TGA Warns Delivery Platforms: Don’t Promote or Supply Vapes Illegally

Key Highlights

• TGA cautions delivery platforms; two major firms helped remove unlawful vape promotions.
• Therapeutic Goods Act 1989: public advertising of vapes prohibited; pharmacy-only sales.
• Tobacconists and c-stores cannot supply any vaping goods, with or without prescription.
• FY2024–25: TGA sought removal of 13,700+ ads/profiles; 8,500+ linked to nicotine/vaping.
• Penalties: up to AUD 2.31M (individuals), AUD 23.1M (corporations), or up to 7 years’ jail.

2Firsts, October 29, 2025 — According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the regulator has issued a clear warning to online delivery service providers not to breach Australian laws on the supply and advertising of vaping goods. Acting on complaints, the TGA worked with two well-known companies to identify and remove non-compliant material, underscoring its end-to-end compliance and enforcement role.

Professor Anthony Lawler, head of the TGA, said the agency takes all reports of non-compliance seriously, with a priority to reduce young people’s exposure to or access to illicit vapes online.

Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, advertising vapes directly to the public is prohibited. Vapes may be sold only through pharmacies, and it is unlawful for tobacconists or convenience stores to supply any vaping goods, with or without a prescription.

The TGA monitors, detects and disrupts unlawful vape advertising. In 2024–25, it requested the removal of more than 13,700 advertisements or online profiles, including over 8,500 related to nicotine and vaping products. Where required, enforcement follows — infringement notices, seizures, and civil or criminal proceedings.

Non-compliance can attract significant penalties: up to AUD 2.31 million for individuals, AUD 23.1 million for corporations, or up to seven years’ imprisonment. The TGA encourages reports of unlawful vape sales and advertising. 

Image source: Therapeutic Goods Administratio