Important information
The retailer notification scheme has ceased, and the Retailer Identification Number (RIN) is no longer active. Retailers and wholesalers must apply for a tobacco licence to continue trading in NSW.
On this page
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About the new tobacco licensing scheme
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Important dates
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How to make an application
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Which businesses need a tobacco licence
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Licence fee
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Requirements for holding a licence
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Reasons a licence application may be refused
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Fines and penalties
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Support available
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Why the tobacco licensing scheme is needed
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Related links
About the new tobacco licensing scheme
NSW has introduced a new tobacco licensing scheme. This scheme commenced 1 July 2025. Tobacco retailers and wholesalers require a licence to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products in NSW.
From 1 July 2025, the retailer identification number (RIN) system will no longer be operating, and retailers must apply for a tobacco licence to continue trading.
The tobacco licensing scheme covers
tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products.
In NSW, vaping goods can only be purchased from pharmacies for therapeutic use. Pharmacies do not need a tobacco licence to sell vaping products. 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.
Significant penalties apply.
Important dates
From 1 July 2025
Retailers and wholesalers can apply for a tobacco licence. We encourage you to apply now.
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 refused, 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 tobacco 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
- If you apply for a licence on or after 2 October 2025 you can only sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products once your licence has been granted.
- NSW 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.
How to make an application
Retailers and wholesalers can apply for a licence using their MyServiceNSW account via the
Service NSW website. The application is expected to take no longer than 20 minutes to complete online.
Applicants will enter details of their business structure (individual or corporation), ABN, address and business details of each premises where tobacco is sold (or, if an online business, details of any associated website).
Applicants will need:
- Proof of identity documents
- A
national police check certificate obtained within 3 months (please note this can take several weeks to process)
- A credit card for payment at the end of the online application process.
After you apply for a licence, you will get an email notification that your application has been received and is being considered. We encourage you to check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive this email.
For more information about applying for a tobacco licence, visit
Application Requirements.
Which businesses need a tobacco licence
All retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products in NSW 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 hospitality venues that sell tobacco, either over the counter or via a vending machine, will require a tobacco licence. A liquor licensed premises only requires one retail licence per premises to sell tobacco over the counter, via vending machine, or both.
A vending machine supplier is not required to hold a tobacco retail licence. A vending machine supplier does, however, require a wholesale licence if they supply vending machines with tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products inside or alongside the machine.
Licence fee
A fee of $1,100 applies for each licence. All retailers and wholesalers will need to renew their licence annually.
Requirements for holding a licence
Retailers and wholesalers who hold a tobacco licence must comply with tobacco retailing laws in NSW. A copy of the licence must be displayed at the point of sale. For more information on tobacco retailing laws, visit
Tobacco retailing laws in NSW.
Reasons a licence application may be refused
The NSW Health Secretary can refuse an application or revoke an existing licence:
- if you have been found guilty of an offence relating to the sale or supply of tobacco or vaping goods under any relevant state and Commonwealth legislation.
- if you provide false or misleading information.
- if you have failed to comply with the requirements of another tobacco retail or wholesale licence in NSW.
- on the recommendation of a law enforcement agency, including the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police or other state, territory or Commonwealth agency.
Fines and penalties
New penalties have been introduced for selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a valid licence. The maximum penalties are:
- $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.
Support available
Call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412 if you have questions about the licensing scheme or if you need assistance with the application process.
Why the tobacco licensing scheme is needed
The tobacco licensing scheme will:
- ensure accurate information is collected on tobacco retailing and wholesaling activities in NSW 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 NSW.
Related links