eCigarette compliance program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Information for pharmacists

​​​​​​Our goal

The eCigarette Compliance Program, aims to support pharmacists meet 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 visit 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.

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)​ webpage
• that the advertising of vaping goods to the publ​ic is not permitted. Advertising of smoking cessation services may be permitted. For more information refer to Vapes: ​ad​vertising and promotion​​​ webpage
• to refer to the Pharmacy factsheet and self-assessment​ to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations relating to the storage and supply of vaping goods.

​Program update – March 2025 ​

The team has introduced a revised approach to pharmacy visits that includes notifying pharmacies about the locations the team will be visiting.  You can find these above, under the heading: "Locations for upcoming pharmacy visits". ​

This new notification approach aims to:

• ​Enhance compliance – Pharmacists are able to review and update their practices prior to the visit with the support of available resources, including the ​Pharmacy factsheet and self-assessment​ and the Pharmacy review tool​.
• Encourage proactive engagement – Pharmacists may reach out to the team for guidance before visits, creating further opportunities for education and support.
• Minimise business disruptions – Advance notice allows pharmacists to review their processes, ensuring visits are efficient, pharmacy-led and focused on areas where support or guidance is needed.

​Over 150 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.

​​Non-compliant stock was identified in 19 pharmacies. Pharmacists are reminded to:

• Ensure that only products listed on the TGA’s list of notified vapes is supplied through the pharmacy.
• Check existing stock and ensure that flavours are limited to mint, menthol and tobacco only.
• Contact product suppliers to arrange returns for non-compliant stock or dispose appropriately. For more information on the safe disposal of e-cigarettes visit:
• Return unwanted medicines​​ webpage
• Planet Ark’s recycling near you​​​ webpage

Enhanced product standards for therapeutic vaping goods are being introduced in stages in 2025.

• From 1 March 2025, only vapes that meet the updated product standards can be imported into or manufactured in Australia.
• From 1 July 2025, only those vapes that meet the updated standards can be lawfully supplied in Australia.
• For more information visit the TGA’s Product standards: unapproved therapeutic vapes​​​ webpage.

​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.​