Retailer Notification Scheme

The Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 requires tobacco retailers to notify NSW Health of tobacco retailing activities before commencing tobacco retailing. This is referred to as the Tobacco Retailer Notification Scheme.

This can be done online via Service NSW.

What information do tobacco retailers have to provide?

Retailers should have the following business details handy when making their notification:

• business address of the person intending to engage in tobacco retailing
• address of the premises at which the person intends to engage in tobacco retailing
• Registered Australian Business Number (ABN) of the relevant business and, if the business is incorporated, the Australian Company Number (ACN) and
• names and addresses of the owners and directors of the tobacco retailing business.

What happens after tobacco retailers make the notification?

Following successful notification of the business:

• a unique Tobacco Retailer Notification number will be issued to the business
• a confirmation is sent to the email address of the nominated primary contact
• signage required under the new legislation is posted to the nominated contact person’s address.

Are tobacco retailers required to update the notification when their business details change?

If certain business details change store operators are required to update NSW Health within 28 days of the change occurring. Changes that need to be updated include:

• the business address
• the trading premises address
• the name or address of any owner of director of the business or
• a change in the ownership of the business.

Changes can be made online at Service NSW or you can call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412

If you stop selling tobacco, it is your responsibility to cancel your Tobacco Retailer Notification by logging on to your online account via Service NSW.

NSW Health inspectors monitor compliance with the requirement to register a business

If your business is selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products and you have not made your notification, you need to do so immediately. Failure to notify NSW Health about tobacco retailing activities is an offence.

NSW Health inspectors monitor compliance with the requirements to register a business that sells tobacco or non tobacco-smoking products. Penalties for not complying include a maximum fine of $11,000 or an on-the-spot fine of $1,100 for an individual or $5,500 for a corporation.

Further information

For further information about the Retailer Notification Scheme visit Frequently asked questions about Retailer Identification Number or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412. The Tobacco Information Line can be accessed by non-English speaking persons via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50.

To ensure you have access to the latest information, we recommend you visit this page regularly.