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E-cigarette vaping in Australia

Profile
Australia Flag
Cigarettes
Traditional Smokeless
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Australia Background
Profile
Australia Flag
Cigarettes
Traditional Smokeless
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Data sourced: 2025.   Page updated: 2026-10-20

In Australia, e-cigarettes are banned for general retail sale but regulated as medicinal products. Therefore, vapes with nicotine concentrations of 20 mg or less can be accessed only with a prescription and purchased from pharmacies. It is not legal to buy or sell e-cigarettes online, and there is a comprehensive ban on their advertising. In 2023, there were an estimated 1.5 million current vapers in Australia. The adult current e-cigarette vaping prevalence was 7% (6.2% among females, 7.8% among males), while the adult daily vaping prevalence was estimated to be 3.5% in 2023. Additionally, 8.8% of adults stated they had ever tried e-cigarette vaping as of 2016. A 2017 survey by Hua-Hie Yong et al, found that 54.1% of respondents perceived e-cigarettes as not harmful or less harmful than cigarettes, 9.1% believed they were equally as harmful, 0.4% thought they were more harmful, and 36.5% reported that they did not know. Overall, Australia maintains a highly restrictive regulatory environment for e-cigarettes, focusing on medical supervision, while limiting public access and commercial promotion.

Prevalence

Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 200,000 1A
2019 500,000 1B
2023 1.4 million 1C
2025 1.3 million 1D
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, J60; survey period 2016; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, K60; survey period 2019; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, L60; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, M60; survey period 2025; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 70,000 2A
2019 200,000 2B
2023 600,000 2C
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, J38; survey period 2016; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, K38; survey period 2019; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, L38; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 200,000 3A
2019 300,000 3B
2023 800,000 3C
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, J16; survey period 2016; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, K16; survey period 2019; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, L16; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 30,000 4A
2019 70,000 4B
2023 300,000 4C
2025 400,000 4D
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, B38; survey period 2016; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, C38; survey period 2019; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, D38; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, E38; survey period 2025; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 70,000 5A
2019 200,000 5B
2023 400,000 5C
2025 400,000 5D
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, B16; survey period 2016; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, C16; survey period 2019; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, D16; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, E16; survey period 2025; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 1.2% 6A A
2016 1.2% 6B
2019 2.6% 6C
2022 2.5% 6D B
2023 6.8% 6E
2025 6% 6F
2025 6% 6G
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2016: detailed findings. Drug Statistics series no. 31. Cat. no. PHE 214. Canberra: AIHW
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, J60; survey period 2016; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, K60; survey period 2019; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  4. WHO. WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-aus.pdf?sfvrsn=9523b70c_3&download=true. Accessed: 4 August 2025.
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, L60; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Vaping and e-cigarette use. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking-e-cigarettes/vaping-e-cigarette-use . Accessed: 13 October 2026.
  7. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, M60; survey period 2025; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
Comments:
  1. Current use includes people who reported vaping daily, weekly or less than weekly, mothy or less than monthly. Data is for persons aged 18 and over and includes smokers and non-smokers.
  2. Adults survey: National Health Survey, 2021-22; National, ages 15+
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 0.8% 7A
2019 1.8% 7B
2023 5.8% 7C
2025 5.3% 7D
2025 5.2% 7E
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, J38; survey period 2016; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, K38; survey period 2019; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, L38; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Vaping and e-cigarette use in the NDSHS. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking-e-cigarettes/vaping-e-cigarette-use . Accessed: 13 October 2026.
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, M38; survey period 2025; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 1.7% 8A
2019 3.3% 8B
2023 7.9% 8C
2025 6.7% 8D
2025 6.8% 8E
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, J16; survey period 2016; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, K16; survey period 2019; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, L16; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Vaping and e-cigarette use in the NDSHS. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking-e-cigarettes/vaping-e-cigarette-use . Accessed: 13 October 2026.
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, M16; survey period 2025; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 100,000 9A
2019 200,000 9B
2023 700,000 9C
2025 800,000 9D
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, B60; survey period 2016; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, C60; survey period 2019; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, D60; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, E60; survey period 2025; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 0.5% 10A
2019 1.1% 10B
2023 3.5% 10C
2025 3.6% 10D
2025 3.6% 10E
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, B60; survey period 2016; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, C60; survey period 2019; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, D60; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Vaping and e-cigarette use. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking-e-cigarettes/vaping-e-cigarette-use . Accessed: 13 October 2026.
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, E60; survey period 2025; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: per cent.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 0.3% 11A
2019 0.7% 11B
2023 3% 11C
2025 3.3% 11D
2025 3.2% 11E
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, B38; survey period 2016; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, C38; survey period 2019; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, D38; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Vaping and e-cigarette use in the NDSHS. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking-e-cigarettes/vaping-e-cigarette-use . Accessed: 13 October 2026.
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, E38; survey period 2025; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: per cent.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2016 0.8% 12A
2019 1.6% 12B
2023 3.8% 12C
2025 3.8% 12D
2025 4% 12E
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, B16; survey period 2016; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, C16; survey period 2019; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, D16; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Vaping and e-cigarette use in the NDSHS. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking-e-cigarettes/vaping-e-cigarette-use . Accessed: 13 October 2026.
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, E16; survey period 2025; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: per cent.
20.5%
13
2025
References:
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, M60; survey period 2025; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, L38; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, L16; survey period 2022–2023; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, E38; survey period 2025; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, E16; survey period 2025; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, M60; survey period 2025; age 18+; Persons; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  7. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, M38; survey period 2025; age 18+; Females; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  8. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, M16; survey period 2025; age 18+; Males; Current use: daily, weekly, monthly or less than monthly; not restricted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes; unit: per cent.
  9. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.6, E60; survey period 2025; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: persons. Published rounded population estimate, not sample size; totals may differ from the sum of male and female estimates.
  10. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, E60; survey period 2025; age 18+; Persons; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  11. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, E38; survey period 2025; age 18+; Females; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  12. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [Internet]. 2026. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2025: Tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine insights. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about aihw-phe-371-Vaping.xlsx, Table 2.5, E16; survey period 2025; age 18+; Males; Daily use; unit: per cent.
  13. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Vaping and e-cigarette use in the NDSHS. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking-e-cigarettes/vaping-e-cigarette-use . Accessed: 13 October 2026.

Product promotion

Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier Yes A
2019 Yes 1A
References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Australia. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/australia/e-cigarettes?row=1341301. Accessed: 24 July 2025.
Comments:
  1. Banned at place of sale and banned in all media.
Yes
A
References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Australia. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/australia/e-cigarettes?row=1341301. Accessed: 24 July 2025.
Comments:
  1. Allowed or banned at place of sale or allowed or banned in all media.

Regulation

Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier Banned 1A A
2024 Banned 1B B
References:
  1. Data cross-referenced where possible using the following sources :1. Vapetrotter website. Available at: https://www.vapetrotter.com/laws/ ; 2. Global tobacco control website. Available at:https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/node/14052 ; 3. Tobacco Control Laws website. Available at : https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/
  2. 1. Australian Government. Changes to the regulation of vapes. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/vaping-hub/changes-regulation-vapes. Accessed: 23 July 2025. 2. Anti Smoking Global Index. Vaping Products. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 22 July 2025.
Comments:
  1. Rules on e-cigarette vary by state. Devices are available legally for sale but not nicotine liquid unless on prescription. Although nicotine liquid cannot be sold in Australia it is available via personal importation and online sales. Although technically legal to import , it is illegal to take possession unless a prescription is obtained and importation criteria met.
  2. Disposable vapes are banned while therapeutic ones are not.
Yes
2 B
Yes
2 B
References:
  1. 1. Australian Government. Changes to the regulation of vapes. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/vaping-hub/changes-regulation-vapes. Accessed: 23 July 2025. 2. Anti Smoking Global Index. Vaping Products. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 22 July 2025.
  2. Data cross-referenced where possible using the following sources :1. Vapetrotter website. Available at: https://www.vapetrotter.com/laws/ ; 2. Global tobacco control website. Available at:https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/node/14052 ; 3. Tobacco Control Laws website. Available at : https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/
Comments:
  1. Disposable vapes are banned while therapeutic ones are not.
  2. Rules on e-cigarette vary by state. Devices are available legally for sale but not nicotine liquid unless on prescription. Although nicotine liquid cannot be sold in Australia it is available via personal importation and online sales. Although technically legal to import , it is illegal to take possession unless a prescription is obtained and importation criteria met.

Availability

References:
  1. 1. Australian Government. Changes to the regulation of vapes. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/vaping-hub/changes-regulation-vapes. Accessed: 23 July 2025. 2. Anti Smoking Global Index. Vaping Products. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 22 July 2025.
  2. Anti Smoking Global Index. Vaping Products. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 22 July 2025.
Comments:
  1. Therapeutic vapes (with concentration: 20 mg or less) for smoking cessation and management of nicotine dependence are available in pharmacies and can be bought if they meet regulatory requirements.

Perception of harm

References:
  1. Hua-Hie Yong, Ron Borland, James Balmford, Sara C. Hitchman, K. Michael Cummings, Pete Driezen, Mary E. Thompson, Prevalence and Correlates of the Belief That Electronic Cigarettes are a Lot Less Harmful Than Conventional Cigarettes Under the Different Regulatory Environments of Australia and the United Kingdom, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, Volume 19, Issue 2, 1 February 2017, Pages 258�263,
Comments:
  1. *Survey included smokers and ex smokers only. 2014 data. 35.2% believed e-cigarette are a lot less harmful, 4.5% unsure how much less harmful, 14.4% 'a little' less harmful. (54.1% total )
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.