From 24 July 2026, nicotine pouches can no longer be legally bought or imported in Australia. These changes aim to help prevent more people from becoming dependent on nicotine.

What’s Changing:

• Cannot Be Sold – It is illegal to sell nicotine pouches in Australia, including online.
• Cannot Be Prescribed – Medical practitioners can no longer prescribe nicotine pouches, and pharmacies cannot supply them.
• Cannot Be Imported – Nicotine pouches cannot be brought into Australia by travellers or importers, even with a prescription or traveller’s exemption. Pouches found at the border will be confiscated and disposed of by the Australian Border Force.
• Cannot be Advertised – It is illegal to advertise nicotine pouches, including online and on social media.

Why is this Changing?

• Nicotine pouches have not been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and are not listed as a product on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
• Unlawful sale, import and advertising of nicotine pouches has been increasing, including marketing through social media. This may increase the risk of nicotine dependence, particularly among young people.
• The changes follow consultation with health practitioners, health organisations, and tobacco control experts and respond to concerns about the health risks of nicotine pouches.

What is not Changing?

• These changes do not affect approved nicotine replacement therapies, PBS-subsidised quit medicines or therapeutic vaping products.

Click on the thumbnail to the right to read and download the factsheet on the new regulation for nicotine pouches in Australia

For more of Connie the Clever Cockie’s updates, visit the Tobacco Control News page.