ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø tobacco licensing scheme

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Important information

More information on the scheme will be provided over the coming months to help businesses plan for these changes. This page will be updated over this time and businesses are encouraged to check it regularly to keep informed.

​ On this page

  1. About the new tobacco licensing scheme
  2. Important dates
  3. Support available​
  4. Licence requirements
  5. Fines and penalties
  6. Why the tobacco licensing scheme is needed
  7. Retailer notification scheme​

About the new tobacco licensing scheme

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is introducing a new tobacco licensing scheme. Tobacco retailers and wholesalers will need a licence to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. The tobacco licensing scheme is expected to commence on 1 July 2025. 

The tobacco licensing scheme covers tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products. 

In ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, e-cigarettes (vapes) can only be purchased from pharmacies. It is illegal for all other retailers such as tobacconists, supermarkets, and convenience stores to sell any type of vaping good, regardless of its nicotine content. As a result, vaping goods are not covered under the tobacco licensing scheme. â€‹

Important dates

From 1 July â€‹2025

  • Retailers and wholesalers can apply for a tobacco licence. We encourage you to apply early.

By 1 October 2025

  • If you submit a valid licence ​application on or before 1 October 2025, you can continue trading until you are notified of the outcome of your application. If a licence is granted to you, you may then continue to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products. If your application is rejected, you must stop selling tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products.
  • If an application has not been received on or before 1 October 2025 you will not be able to sell tob​acco or non-tobacco smoking products by retail or wholesale on or after 2 October 2025. You may be liable for severe penalties if you continue to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence.

From 2 October 2025

  • Retailers and wholesalers applying for a licence on or after 2 October 2025 can only sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products once their licence has been granted. 
  • ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health inspectors will begin to monitor compliance with the requirements to hold a licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products. Trading without a licence may result in enforcement action being taken. 

Support available

A support phoneline will be available to assist you with the application process if you need it. 

Resources will also be made available on the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health website to guide you through the licence application process. 

More information will be available on this page in the coming months. â€‹

Licence requirements

All retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø will need a licence. A separate licence is needed for each premises where tobacco is sold. Online tobacco retailers will require a retail licence for each online store. 
For example: 
  • If you have an online store and a physical store, you must apply for two licences. 
  • If you have three physical stores, you must apply for three licences. 
Liquor licensed venues that sell tobacco, either over the counter or via a vending machine, will require a tobacco licence. 

All retailers and wholesalers will need to renew their licence ²¹²Ô²Ô³Ü²¹±ô±ô²â.​ A fee of $1,100 will apply for each licence. 

A copy of the licence must be displayed where tobacco is sold. 

The Health Secretary will be able to reject an application or revoke an existing licence: 
  • If the applicant has been found guilty of an offence relating to the sale or supply of tobacco or vaping goods under any relevant state and Commonwealth legislation.
  • On the recommendation of a law enforcement agency, including the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Police Force, Australian Federal Police or other state, territory or Commonwealth agency. 
  • If the applicant provides false or misleading information. 
  • If the applicant has failed to comply with the requirements of another tobacco retail or wholesale licence.  â€‹

Fines and penalties

New penalties have been introduced for anyone selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a valid licence. The maximum penalties will be:

  • $11,000 for a first offence for an individual, or $44,000 for a second or subsequent offence for an individual 
  • $220,000 for a corporation. 
Penalties for a range of other tobacco retailing offences have also been significantly increased to reflect the seriousness of these offences. For more information on tobacco retailing penalties please see Penalties and enforcement. 

Why the tobacco licensing scheme is needed

The tobacco licensing scheme will:

  • ensure accurate information is collected on tobacco retailing and wholesaling activities in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø to support enforcement efforts
  • deter tobacco retailing businesses from operating outside of the law 
  • provide greater oversight of the tobacco retail industry 
  • support our comprehensive approach to tobacco control in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. 

​​​Retailer notification scheme

Until the tobacco licensing scheme starts, retailers are still required to have a Retailer Identification Number (RIN). 

Retailers with current RINs will receive information soon outlining steps they will need to take to apply for a tobacco licence if they wish to continue selling tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products. 

For further information on RINs visit Tobacco retailing laws. 

Current as at: Tuesday 25 March 2025
Contact page owner: Centre for Population Health