How to apply for a licence to import vaping goods
Learn how to apply for a licence to import vaping goods using ODC Business Services, including eligibility requirements and supporting documentation.
The importation of vaping goods is regulated under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. Businesses must hold a licence issued by the Office of Drug Control (ODC) before importing vaping goods into Australia.
Import licences are not issued to individuals seeking vaping goods for personal use.
Important: Holding a licence does not authorise importation. A separate permit is required for each import consignment.
To apply, submit the Apply for a licence to import vaping goods form through ODC Business Services.
Imported vaping goods must also meet applicable requirements under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, including Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) inclusion or Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) notification requirements, where applicable.
For more information, visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Vaping Hub.
Vaping goods that require an import licence
You must hold an import licence before importing:
- vaping devices
- vape accessories
- vaping substances.
A vaping device is an electronic device that generates or releases an aerosol, vapour or mist for inhalation, whether or not it contains a vaping substance.
A vape accessory is a cartridge, capsule, pod, vial, bottle or other container that contains, or is designed to contain, a vaping substance.
A vaping substance is a liquid or other substance intended for use in a vaping device, including nicotine in solution at any concentration.
Nicotine mouth sprays and inhalers are also vaping goods and require an import licence and permit.
Vaping goods containing controlled substances
Some vaping goods contain controlled substances regulated under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, such as medicinal cannabis.
Depending on the product being imported, you may need licences and permits for both the controlled substance and the vaping good.
If a controlled substance, such as cannabis oil, is contained within a disposable vape or vape accessory, and you already hold a licence to import that substance, a separate vaping goods licence is not required.
If you are importing a controlled substance in a reusable vape or alongside vaping goods in the same consignment, you must hold all required licences and permits for both the controlled substance and the vaping goods.
If you are unsure which licences or permits apply to your goods, contact NCS@health.gov.au.
For more information about the regulation of vaping goods, visit the TGA Vaping Hub.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a licence to import vaping goods:
- your business must hold any relevant state or territory licences, approvals or authorisations required to supply vaping goods, including vaping devices, vape accessories, vaping substances (including nicotine), or other regulated products
- your business must be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- your business must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Important: A licence to import disposable vapes will only be granted where the goods are intended for medical or scientific research purposes.
Complete your application
| Part of application form | What you need to provide |
|---|---|
| 1. Application type | |
| Type of application | Select the type of licence you are applying for. If you intend to import vaping goods for more than one purpose, select all applicable options. |
| 2. Applicant details – Primary licence holder | |
| Applicant's name | Provide the full name of the applicant. |
| Position held in company | Provide the applicant's position within the company or organisation. |
| Mobile number, direct phone number, contact email | Provide the applicant's contact details, including their mobile number, direct phone number and email address. |
| 3. Corporate information | |
| Name of company/organisation | Provide the full legal name of the company or organisation that will hold the licence. |
| ABN/ACN | Provide the Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). |
| GST registered | Indicate whether the company or organisation is registered for GST. |
| Primary email address | Provide the email address that will receive correspondence from ODC. Where possible, use a shared mailbox accessible to authorised contacts. |
| Street address | Provide the physical address of the business premises. |
| Postal address | Provide the postal address for licence correspondence. |
| 4. Reasons for import and expected product types | |
| Reason for import | Describe why the vaping goods are being imported, such as manufacturing, supplying other businesses, medical or scientific research, or commercial sale. |
| Product types intended for import | List the vaping goods you intend to import, such as vaping devices, vape accessories, pods or vaping substances. |
| Intention to import goods containing nicotine | Indicate whether any of the goods to be imported contain nicotine. |
| 5. Australian shipping agents or customs agents | Provide the name and address of each customs or shipping agent used by your organisation and describe the services they provide, such as preparing documentation, collecting goods from the Australian Border Force, or both. |
| 6. State or territory licence(s) held | Upload copies of all relevant state or territory licences held by the licence holder. If a licence is being renewed, provide evidence that the renewal has been submitted or approved. Include the licence name, licence number and validity period for each licence. |
| 7. Storage and security | |
| Storage premises | Provide details of the premises where vaping goods will be stored, used or supplied. Security arrangements must be appropriate for the goods and quantities being imported. |
| Security inspections | If you are a commercial importer, provide the date of the most recent security inspection conducted by your state or territory health authority. |
| Transport security | Describe the transport security arrangements for the vaping goods and identify who will transport them. |
| Losses and thefts | Report all losses or thefts of vaping goods, including nil incidents where applicable. Include a description of the goods, quantity lost or stolen, storage location, date of the incident, investigation outcomes and any security improvements implemented. |
| 8. Proposed authorised contacts | Provide the full name and position title of each authorised contact who will submit or discuss import permit applications on behalf of the licence holder. Each proposed authorised contact must complete and sign Schedule 2. |
| 9. Declaration and consent | Read the declaration and consent carefully before signing. The proposed licence holder must sign the application and provide their contact details. |
| Schedule 1 – Personal details of the applicant | Complete and sign Schedule 1. Upload a National Police Certificate (NPC) for the primary licence holder. The NPC must be less than 12 months old. ODC accepts NPCs issued by accredited third-party providers. |
| Schedule 2 – Personal details of proposed authorised contacts | Each proposed authorised contact must complete and sign Schedule 2. Upload a National Police Certificate (NPC) for each authorised contact. The NPC must be less than 12 months old. |
| Schedule 3 – Proposed import activity | Complete Schedule 3 only if you are applying to import vaping goods for medical or scientific research purposes. Describe the proposed research activity and how the imported goods will be used. |
| Checklist (applicant to complete) | Complete the checklist to confirm you have provided all required information and supporting documents. |
Submit your application
Email your completed application and supporting documents to NCS@health.gov.au.
Processing times
ODC aims to process complete applications within 30 working days of receipt.
Processing may take longer during periods of high demand.
Avoid delays
Ensure all required information and supporting documents are provided before submission. Incomplete or incorrect applications may be returned for amendment, which can delay assessment.