TobaccoReporter logo

Tag: New South Wales

  • Australian State Ups Penalties for Illicit Tobacco 

    Australian State Ups Penalties for Illicit Tobacco 

    Australia’s New South Wales government has introduced major reforms that are expected to be phased in by July 1 to combat illicit tobacco sales. They include a new licensing scheme for retailers and significantly increased penalties for offenders. NSW is following the lead of Queensland, which recently enacted similar measures.

    Under NSW’s new laws, businesses will need to obtain a tobacco retailing license or face fines of up to A$220,000 ($140,000) for corporations and A$44,000 ($28,000) for individuals. Retailers with a current Retailer Identification Number (RIN) will receive information on how to apply for a license. 

    Heavier penalties are now in effect for offenses such as selling single cigarettes or in packs of less than 20, tobacco products without health warnings, or using prohibited packaging. Corporations caught committing these offenses face fines of up to A$770,000 ($493,000), while individuals can be fined A$154,000 ($98,600). 

    The new laws have also strengthened penalties for both individuals and corporations caught selling tobacco products to minors. Individuals can be fined up to A$22,000 ($14,000) for their first offense and A$110,000 ($70,400) for subsequent offenses, while corporations face fines of up to A$110,000 for a first offense and A$220,000 for further offenses.

  • New South Wales Sets High Fines for Youth Sales

    New South Wales Sets High Fines for Youth Sales

    Australian bills and coins
    Photo: Atstock Productions | Adobe Stock

    More than $1 million worth of illegal e-cigarettes and liquids containing nicotine have been seized in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, this year.

    NSW Health has seized more than $3 million of the banned products since July 2020.

    Since October 2021, products containing nicotine are only available for people over the age of 18 when prescribed by a medical practitioner for smoking cessation purposes, from an Australian pharmacy or via importation into Australia with a valid prescription, according to 7News.

    For all other retailers in NSW, the sale of e-cigarettes or e-liquids containing nicotine is illegal.

    The curb on illegal nicotine sales extends to online shops with the maximum penalty of $1,650 per offense, six months in prison or both.

    Selling to minors also comes with hefty fines. For individuals, up to $11,000 for a first offense and up to $55,000 for a second or subsequent offense; and for corporations, up to $55,000 for a first offense and up to $110,000 for a second or subsequent offense.

    Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said retailers were being put on notice if they were selling the contraband products. “We are cracking down on the illegal sale of nicotine e-cigarettes and liquids and taking a zero-tolerance approach to those who sell them,” she said.

    “NSW Health regularly conducts raids on retailers across the state to protect young people from these harmful devices. You will be caught, illegal items will be seized, and you could face prosecution, resulting in being fined or even jailed.

    “The harmful impacts of vaping on young people cannot be underestimated. People think they are simply flavored water, but in reality, in many cases, they are ingesting poisonous chemicals that can cause life-threatening injuries.”

    The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says around 14 percent of 12-year-olds to 17-year-olds nationwide have tried an e-cigarette, with around 32 percent of these students having used one in the past month. Around 12 percent of students reported buying an e-cigarette themselves.