Vape reforms – changes to regulation of chemicals used in vaping goods

From 1 July 2024, use of chemicals as vaping goods, or in vaping goods, is a therapeutic use and not an industrial use.

Regulatory changes for introducers of chemicals in vapes

Due to the vaping reforms legislation, the use of any chemical in a vaping good, including vapes or personal vaporisers, is not an industrial use. The changes mean that anyone planning to manufacture or import (introduce) any chemical for use as, or in vaping goods, must comply with obligations under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

The Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (IC Act) has been amended so that from 1 July 2024, the definition of ‘industrial use’ does not include ‘use as a vaping good (within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989) or in the preparation of such a good’.

Consequential changes to the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019 have been made. Changes will also be made to the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines. These changes include removing:

• the definition of ‘personal vaporiser’
• technical information related to categorisation of chemicals with end uses in personal vaporisers

Industrial chemicals that are also used in vapes

If a chemical is used as a vaping good or in vaping goods, but also has other industrial uses, AICIS will continue to regulate the introduction of the chemical – but only for the industrial uses.

AICIS website updated to remove references to vapes

On 1 July 2024, we updated our online guidance and content – including removing references to ‘personal vaporisers’ and revising our ‘Guide to categorising your chemical importation and manufacture’.

More information

See the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Vaping Hub for information about laws related to vaping goods.