Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice or medical advice. All information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Please contact a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction if you are seeking legal advice. Please seek a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs if you are in need of medical advice.
Vapers in Australia can continue to buy nicotine vaping products from the online vape shops of overseas suppliers after 1 October 2021 (the date that the Australian Government began requiring nicotine prescriptions for purchases of nicotine-containing vaping products) by obtaining a nicotine prescription from a licensed doctor in Australia. To obtain a prescription, follow the steps outlined in this guide.
Note: Australians can purchase vaping products that contain zero nicotine (0mg/0%) without a prescription.
How To Get A Nicotine Prescription In Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has stated that the main reason a doctor may provide a prescription is for the purposes of smoking cessation. If you are using vaping to quit smoking, your doctor may determine that prescription nicotine liquid is appropriate for you to use and provide you with a script that will allow you to purchase nicotine e-liquid and e-cigarettes.
The most convenient way to obtain a nicotine prescription may very well be to use an online service such as MyDuke, which allows adults in Australia to obtain a prescription 100% online. After a consult, they may provide you with a prescription for up to 12-months of supply, which you can then use to buy nicotine vaping products from their Australian pharmacy. Click here to get started on obtaining your online prescription now.
Step 1 - Consult Your Doctor
The first step towards obtaining a prescription for nicotine e-cigarettes is to consult your doctor. Your doctor may be unable to provide you with a prescription and may in turn provide you with a referral to another doctor that can provide you with further assistance.
Here is a list of licensed doctors in Australia that are available to assess your suitability for nicotine vaping products and provide you with a nicotine prescription if it is appropriate:
New South Wales (NSW)
Queensland (QLD)
South Australia (SA)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
You can schedule an in-person appointment with a doctor in your area if one is available or you can schedule a telehealth consultation by phone or video call.
As we noted above, the most convenient way to obtain a prescription may very well be an online service such as MyDuke that allows you to discuss your needs with a licensed GP and obtain your script without ever leaving your home. MyDuke provides just such a service and you can click here to get started on your prescription now.
Step 2 - Have Your Doctor Write You A Prescription
Once your doctor has determined that nicotine e-cigarettes are suitable for you, the next step is to have your doctor provide you with a prescription. Your doctor will have two options at this point:
- Apply to the TGA for access to the unapproved vaping product prior to giving you a prescription. There is a simple application form developed by the TGA for this purpose.
- Provide you with a prescription for a 3-month (or less) supply of nicotine e-cigarettes, which will allow you to purchase nicotine vaping products for personal use from overseas suppliers through the Personal Importation Scheme.
The second option will allow you to purchase e-cigarettes and e-liquids that contain nicotine directly from the online vape stores of overseas suppliers and have them shipped straight to your home in Australia.
Step 3 - Make Arrangements With Your Vape Supplier
Once your doctor has provided you with a prescription, your next step will be to make arrangements with your vape store or pharmacy. If you are buying your nicotine vaping products from an overseas supplier, you may need to provide them with a copy of your prescription so that it can be enclosed in the package that is shipped to you. This will ensure that Australian Border Force (ABF) officials allow for your package to be delivered.