Tasmania is set to introduce some of the strictest laws in Australia against illegal tobacco and vaping sales, with powers to shut down shops for months and fines reaching millions. The Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026 was released for public consultation on February 6, 2026. It targets what officials call a major public health crisis and funding source for organized crime. Key changes include: New offenses and higher penalties for selling illicit tobacco, nicotine pouches, or vapes. Temporary business closures (up to 90 days or more) for those caught

Tasmania is set to introduce some of the strictest laws in Australia against illegal tobacco and vaping sales, with powers to shut down shops for months and fines reaching millions.

The Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026 was released for public consultation on February 6, 2026. It targets what officials call a major public health crisis and funding source for organized crime.

Key changes include:

  • New offenses and higher penalties for selling illicit tobacco, nicotine pouches, or vapes.

  • Temporary business closures (up to 90 days or more) for those caught selling illegal products.

  • Repeat corporate offenders could face fines up to $3.28 million (16,000 penalty units).

  • Complete ban on vending machines selling smoking products.

  • No visible display of tobacco or smoking items from public areas (e.g., streets or sidewalks) to curb appeal to youth.

Health Minister Bridget Archer said the measures will deliver "some of the toughest tobacco enforcement in the country" and protect Tasmanians' health.

The push follows a major two-week joint operation by health officers and Tasmania Police, seizing:

  • 2.1 million cigarette sticks

  • Over 1,000 kg (1,035 kg) of loose tobacco

  • Around 735–7,500 vaping devices (reports vary slightly)

The seized goods had an estimated street value of $3.2 million.

Four big operations in the past year uncovered over 531,000 cigarettes and 809 kg of loose tobacco.

Police Minister Felix Ellis highlighted how the illegal trade fuels criminal gangs. Tasmania has Australia's second-highest smoking rate (after the Northern Territory), making it especially at risk.

The bill will combine all smoking and nicotine rules into one Act for easier enforcement. A new agreement between Tasmania Police and the Health Department boosts intelligence sharing and joint raids.

Federally, individuals face fines up to $2.31 million, companies up to $23.1 million, or up to 7 years in prison for illegal vape sales.

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