eCigarette compliance program

​Our goal

The eCigarette Compliance Program aims to support pharmacists in meeting their regulatory requirements for vaping goods. It promotes compliance by providing ongoing tailored support, preventing unintentional breaches, and encouraging best practices to help pharmacists confidently meet their requirements.

Our team

The eCigarette Compliance Team brings valuable firsthand experience as former community pharmacists providing practical support and guidance to help pharmacies strengthen their processes, clarify uncertainties, and feel confident in managing their regulatory responsibilities.

Our visits

To support pharmacies in maintaining legal and responsible practices regarding the supply of vaping goods, the eCigarette Compliance Team visits pharmacies across NSW. Understanding the busy environment of pharmacies, the team tries to keep visits quick and adopts a flexible approach, pausing when needed to allow pharmacists to assist customers or address urgent matters. During these visits, the team works with pharmacists to assess, review and guide practices relating to the storage, sale and supply of vaping goods, ensuring they align with Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 regulatory requirements.

During the visits, the team also reviews and collects additional data for the Ministry on high-risk or priority areas such as Schedule 8 medicine storage, cold chain storage and monitoring, vaccine and UTI services, including pharmacy consultation rooms from which these services are provided.

Locations for upcoming pharmacy visits

Please be advised that the eCigarette Compliance Team will be visiting pharmacies in the following locations:

December 2025

Chullora, Gorokan, Homebush West, Lake Haven, North Strathfield, Penrith, Regents Park, Toukley, Villawood.

January 2026

Your pharmacy may or may not be visited during this period.

Please note that the eC​igarette compliance team generally does not revisit pharmacies that have already been visited unless there is a specific requirement or a request from the pharmacy itself. We appreciate your continued cooperation and understanding.​

For more information, refer to the Pharmacy fact sheet and self-assessment and the Pharmacy review tool.

Helpful reminders

Pharmacists are reminded:

• to verify that vaping goods are supplied via the Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme or the Special Access Scheme (SAS) by contacting the prescriber directly, or via the TGA’s SAS/AP Online System
  
• to report adverse events and faulty vaping goods to both the product sponsor and the TGA. For more information, refer to Report an adverse event or problem (health professionals).
  
• that the advertising of vaping goods to the public is not permitted. Advertising of smoking cessation services may be permitted. For more information, refer to Vapes: advertising and promotion.
  
• to refer to the Pharmacy fact sheet and self-assessment to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations relating to the storage and supply of vaping goods.

Program update – July 2025

Over 250 pharmacy visits have been completed, with pharmacies showing strong overall compliance, no major issues, and only minor compliance breaches that were resolved through education and guidance.

Starting 1 July 2025, the TGA has introduced strengthened product standards for all therapeutic vaping goods used for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence.

Pharmacies that supply therapeutic vaping goods are advised to take the following actions in response to the strengthened product standards.

1. Review current stock and remove non-compliant products.
   Assess all vaping products currently in stock to identify and remove any that do not meet the updated standards. To verify compliance, refer to the TGA's notified vape list.
2. Return or safely dispose of non-compliant stock.
   Contact product suppliers to arrange returns of non-compliant items where possible, or ensure appropriate disposal. For guidance on safe disposal of e-cigarettes, visit:
• Return Unwanted Medicines Program
• Planet Ark's Recycling Near You -and select 'vapes'.
3. ​ Educate pharmacy staff.
   Ensure all staff are informed about the strengthened product standards, product compliance requirements, and the availability of alternative therapeutic vaping products.
4. Inform consumers and prescribers.
   Communicate the changes to patients and prescribers, including updates on product availability and compliance with the new standards.

What you’ve told us

We have received highly positive feedback from many of you, with all pharmacists expressing increased confidence in meeting regulatory requirements following our visits. The team is pleased to know that our visits are having a positive impact on your practice.

Contact us

If you would like further information or have any feedback on how we can better support you, please contact the eCigarette compliance team at: MOH-PharmaceuticalServices@health.nsw.gov.au, or refer to Vaping goods.