Note: For more information in relation to legislative requirements for the compulsory health warning signs please refer to the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 and the Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022.

Health warning at point of sale

A health warning sign must be displayed so it can be easily seen at the point of sale of tobacco products. It must be clearly visible to customers, so no part of the sign should be obstructed. If there is no room on the wall, then the sign may be suspended from the ceiling. If you find that the standard sign does not fit in the space you have available, you may have your own sign made, long as it complies with these requirements:

• black writing on a white background
• between 50 and 100cm wide and have an area not less than 2,000cm² but not more than 3200cm²; and
• text size and empty space in similar proportions to the standard sign.

The health warning is illustrated in Form 1 in Schedule 1 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022 and is shown below.

 

Notice regarding sales to minors at point of sale

Retailers selling tobacco products, e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories are required to display a notice about sales to minors. The notice states that it is illegal to sell tobacco products or e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 18 years. This sign must be placed so it can be easily seen at the point of sale.

This sign must be clearly visible and clearly legible. The sign must be: 

• at least 15cm high and 21cm wide
• with black text on a white background

The sign is illustrated in Form 2 in Schedule 1 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022 and is shown below:

Statement as to point of sale of tobacco on retail premises

Retailers can put up a sign to let customers know which cash register is being used for tobacco sales as long as:

• they sell products other than tobacco products, non-tobacco smoking products or smoking accessories; and
• the shop or retail outlet has more than one cash register.

• wording of “Tobacco sold at this cash register only”
• black lettering on a white background and be no larger in size than 60 point type; and
• the total sign size is no larger than 21cm high X 30 cm wide (A4).

 

• black writing on a white background
• have an area not less than 1000cm²
• text size and empty space in similar proportions to the standard sign.

Notice regarding sales to minors on vending machines

The notice states that it is illegal to sell tobacco products or e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 18 years. The sign must be displayed on tobacco or e-cigarettes vending machines.

The sign must:

• at last 15 cm high and at least 21 cm wide
• with black text on a white background.

The sign is illustrated in Form 2 in Schedule 1 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022 and is shown below:

Where do I get these signs?

Compulsory signs are provided free of charge to retailers when they register for a free  Retailer Identification Number via Service NSW.

Signs can also be ordered by emailing NSW tobacco control resources at MOH-PopulationHealthResources@health.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 655 957.

Further information

For further information about tobacco control please see Tobacco and Smoking Control in NSW or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412. The Tobacco Information Line can be accessed by non-English speaking persons via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50.