On 3 February 2026 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with support from the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), conducted targeted enforcement action in Burwood, New South Wales, seizing more than 57,000 illegal vaping goods. Investigations into the seized goods are ongoing, and further enforcement action may follow.
The seizure followed warrant activity at a commercial storage facility and two associated vehicles, striking an alleged significant illegal supply operation. This activity, and the strong collaboration with the NSW Police Force and AFP, sends a clear and uncompromising message to those seeking to profit from the supply of illegal vapes to our community: if you break the law, you face serious consequences.
It is illegal for any retailer other than participating pharmacies to sell any kind of vape, including tobacconists and convenience stores. Non‑compliance with the vaping‑related provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can attract significant penalties, including imprisonment for up to seven years, fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals, and $23.1 million for corporations per offence.
Since the introduction of vaping reforms, the TGA, Australian Border Force (ABF), state and territory health departments, and police agencies have worked together on 48 joint activities to disrupt and dismantle the illegal vaping trade.
The TGA encourages anyone with information about the illegal supply of vaping goods to report it to the TGA via the website: Report a breach
If you need support to quit smoking or vaping, speak with a health professional, call Quitline on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT), or download the My QuitBuddy App - external site.
