New Licensing Rules for Tobacco and Vaping Products in NSW

As of 1 July 2025, New South Wales has introduced a major change for businesses that sell tobacco or smoking-related products. From now on, all retailers and wholesalers in the state must have a licence to sell these products. This move brings NSW in line with almost every other state and territory in Australia — and it’s a big step toward reducing the harm caused by smoking.

Why the Change Is Important

Smoking is still the leading preventable cause of death and disease in New South Wales. Every year, smoking causes:

• Around 6,700 deaths

• Nearly 63,000 hospital stays

On top of that, smoking costs the community an estimated $8.4 billion in health care and lost productivity. When two out of three people who smoke die from it, the impact is personal, financial, and widespread. Stronger regulation isn’t just a good idea — it’s urgently needed.

What the New Licensing Scheme Means for Sellers

From July 2025, any business that sells tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products (like herbal or vape-related items) must:

• Apply for a licence through the NSW Government’s online portal

• Pay an annual licensing fee

• Pass a background check (offences related to past tobacco or vape sales will be reviewed)

• Follow all legal requirements, or risk losing their licence

This change ensures that only approved and responsible retailers are allowed to sell these products.

As the Cancer Council NSW put it:
"This move ensures retailers are playing by the rules — and that public health stays the top priority."

Selling Without a Licence? Expect Big Fines

To back up the new rules, NSW has also introduced strong penalties for anyone caught selling without a valid licence:

• Individuals can be fined $11,000 for a first offence and $44,000 for later offences

• Corporations may face fines up to $220,000

This approach not only helps cover the cost of running the scheme — it also sends a clear message that the health of the community comes first.

More Inspections and Stronger Enforcement

To keep everything in check, NSW Health has doubled the number of inspectors monitoring tobacco and vape sales across the state. That means:

• More regular checks on retailers

• More support for enforcement

• Less room for illegal or unlicensed sellers

This added oversight is a big step forward in the fight against the black market for tobacco products.

Working Alongside Vape Reform

The new licensing scheme builds on earlier reforms introduced in July 2024. Under those rules, all vapes — with or without nicotine — must now be sold only through pharmacies, for people using them to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.

Together, these changes create a more controlled and supportive system for people trying to quit, while reducing the risks for everyone else.

Cancer Council NSW’s Push for Change

This reform didn’t just appear overnight. Cancer Council NSW played a big part in making it happen. Their team:

• Shared research with MPs and policymakers

• Provided evidence for stronger licensing measures

• Worked with the community to highlight the benefits of tighter control

It’s a great example of how advocacy and health policy can work together to make meaningful change.

What This Means for Everyday People

With fewer places selling cigarettes and vapes — and stronger checks in place — it becomes harder for young people and vulnerable groups to get access. At the same time, people who want to quit can get support in a safer, more structured way.

Need Support to Quit?

Quitting can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’ve tried before or you’re just starting to think about quitting, we’re here to help.

Our team offers:

• Personalised support

• Reliable, evidence-based resources

• Tools to help you plan and stick to your quit journey

Every step forward counts. And together, we can move toward a future where healthier choices are easier for everyone.