News and media
The Albanese Government has appointed Amber Shuhyta as the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette (ITEC) Commissioner.
Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner appointment.
Statement from the Office of the ITEC Commissioner - 12 March 2024
Communiqué - for public release 11 December 2024.
United Front: Against the Illicit Trade of Tobacco and E-Cigarettes
Media release 11 December 2024.
Whole of government approach to combating illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes.
Appointment of the Acting ITEC commissioner, stepping up the fight against illegal nicotine products.
Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner
The Australian Government has launched a new public health campaign to encourage young people to stop vaping and discourage uptake.
National Campaign to Help Young People Quit Vaping
Minister Butler’s media release (14 January 2024) announcing efforts to tackle illegal tobacco imports.
Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Imports
National Vaping Working Group
On 23 November 2023 the government’s Health and Police Ministers established the National Vaping Working Group (NVWG). The NVWG held its inaugural meeting on 30 January 2024.
On 2 October 2024, co-chair arrangements transferred from the Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner to the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner (ITEC) Commissioner. Meetings are now co-chaired by the ITEC Commissioner and Secretary of the NSW Ministry of Health. The NVWG continues to include representatives from Commonwealth, state and territory health and police. This includes the ABF.
The NVWG meets bi-monthly. We publish communiques following each meeting. For all NVWG Communiques before the 12 February 2025 meeting, refer to the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.
- NVWG Communique 18 June 2025 (85KB PDF)
- NVWG Communique 7 May 2025 (100KB PDF)
- NVWG Communique 12 February 2025 (655.96KB PDF)
Health and regulations
Learn more about smoking, vaping, and tobacco laws in Australia, and their impact on public health.
Department of Health and Aged Care
Strategy aimed at improving public health by reducing tobacco use and its associated costs.
National Tobacco Strategy 2023–2030
Information on how vapes are defined and regulated in Australia, including any recent regulatory changes.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Vaping hub
Enforcement and reporting
The Australian Border Force's (ABF) Illicit Tobacco Taskforce proactively targets and disrupts organised crime syndicates dealing in illicit tobacco. If you know someone who might be involved in importing illegal tobacco report them at Border Watch.
Learn more about the Australian Border Force's (ABF) Illicit Tobacco Taskforce.
Learn how the ATO fights illegal activity associated with illegal tobacco. Report it being grown, manufactured or sold in your community using the ATO’s tip-off form.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) compliance and enforcement hub shares news and information about the compliance activities of the TGA. If you suspect someone of illegally importing, manufacturing, supplying, or commercially possessing or advertising vapes and vaping goods, report them using TGA - Report a Breach.
Visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) compliance and enforcement hub.
You can also report illegal tobacco and e‑cigarettes in your local community to Crimestoppers.