eCigarette compliance program

​​​​Information for pharmacists

​​​​​​Our goal

The eCigarette Compliance Program, aims to support pharmacists meet their regulatory requirements for vaping goods. It promotes compliance by providing ongoing tailored support, preventing unintentional breaches, and encouraging best practices to help pharmacists confidently meet their requirements.

​​​​Our team ​

The eCigarette Compliance Team brings valuable firsthand experience as former community pharmacists providing practical support and guidance to help pharmacies strengthen their processes, clarify uncertainties, and feel confident in managing their regulatory responsibilities.

Our visits

To support pharmacies in maintaining legal and responsible practices regarding the supply of vaping goods, the eCigarette compliance team visit pharmacies across NSW. Understanding the busy environment of pharmacies, the team tries to keep visits quick, and adopts a flexible approach, pausing when needed to allow pharmacists to assist customers or address urgent matters. During these visits, the team works with pharmacists to assess, review and guide practices relating to the storage, sale and supply of vaping goods ensuring they align with Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 regulatory requirements. 

​For more information, refer to the Pharmacy factsheet and self-assessment​ (last updated 15 November 2024).

To request a copy of the pharmacy tool used to support the visits, please contact the eCigarette compliance team at: MOH-PharmaceuticalServices@health.nsw.gov.au

Helpful reminders

Pharmacists are reminded:

• ​to verify that vaping goods are supplied via the Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme or the Special Access Scheme (SAS) by contacting the prescriber directly, or via the TGA’s SAS/AP Online System​​
• to report adverse events and faulty vaping goods to both the product sponsor and the TGA. For more information refer to Report an adverse event or problem (health professionals)​ webpage
• that the advertising of vaping goods to the publ​ic is not permitted. Advertising of smoking cessation services may be permitted. For more information refer to Vapes: ​ad​vertising and promotion​​​ webpage
• to refer to the pharmacy self-assessment tool to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations relating to the storage and supply of vaping goods.

​Program update – November 2024 ​

Since the program commenced on 1 October, the team has visited more than 50 pharmacies across NSW. The minor issues identified were resolved on the spot, with no further action required. No major compliance issues have been identified.  

The team has:

• Assisted pharmacists in ensuring all products are listed on the TGA's list of notified vapes​​, raising awareness about verifying compliance before purchasing and suppling vaping goods.
• Supported 14 pharmacies in disposing of non-compliant stock, primarily due to flavours other than mint, menthol, and tobacco.
• Guided pharmacists on accessing unregistered vaping goods via the Authorised Prescriber and Special Access Scheme.
• Informed pharmacists of the TGA's reporting requirements for adverse events and faulty products.
• Provided useful resources and encouraged pharmacists to consult the PSA's Nicotine Dependence Support guidelines for clinical practice.

​What you’ve told us​

We have received highly positive feedback from many of you, with all pharmacists expressing increased confidence in meeting regulatory requirements following our visits. The team is pleased to know that our visits are having a positive impact on your practice.

​Contact us

If you would like further information, or have any feedback on how we can better support you, please contact the eCigarette compliance team at: MOH-PharmaceuticalServices@health.nsw.gov.au, or refer to Vaping goods.