8 February 2026

Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

Draft legislation proposing new laws that crack down on the trade of illegal tobacco, vapes and other smoking products in Tasmania has been released.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the illegal trade of tobacco, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches has increased significantly across Australia and in Tasmania over recent years.

“The Tasmanian Government has begun consultation with key stakeholders and the community on new legislation that targets this illegal trade, while protecting businesses and consumers who are doing the right thing,” Minister Archer said.

“The legislation proposes new offences and increased penalties for the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products, and new powers to close businesses that sell illegal products.

“This will help further protect the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians, making our tobacco enforcement activities some of the toughest in the country, and complement the actions we have already taken.

“Our Government is delivering for Tasmanians and has led the way and ensured strong tobacco control laws relating to tobacco and e-cigarettes in terms of licensing, advertising and age restrictions.  This draft legislation is about targeting those trading illegally and making it clear that the trade of illicit tobacco products will not be tolerated in our State and reinforces our commitment to protecting young people and reducing smoking rates.”

Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Health and Tasmania Police was put in place to strengthen ongoing enforcement activities.

Minister for Police Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the MOU has improved joint operations between Tobacco Control Officers and supporting agencies, helping them work side by side to keep Tasmanians safe.

"Targeted operations supported by this MOU over the last two weeks have resulted in the seizure of 2.1 million cigarette sticks, 1,035 kilograms of loose tobacco, and 735 vapes; an estimated street value of $3.2 million dollars,” Minister Ellis said.

“The new legislation will strengthen the work of Tobacco Control Officers, who are on the ground every day protecting communities from illegal tobacco and vaping products.

“While our Government is disrupting the illegal sale of vapes and illicit tobacco products in Tasmania, we can’t deal with the problem alone.

“We need a national approach that drives better public health outcomes and supports community safety.”

The Draft Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026 is now available on the Department of Health website and feedback can be provided to the Department by 6 March 2026.

The Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026 is part of a staged approach in the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s crackdown on illegal tobacco products.

The next phase will see all smoking and nicotine laws consolidated under a single Smoking Product Act for Tasmania.