Vaping Reforms: What New Research Means for Australians Trying to Quit

Table of Contents

Vaping reforms are changing how Australians access nicotine products and quit smoking support. New research from South Australia suggests that stricter vaping rules may be linked with reduced e-cigarette use, especially among younger people who had never used tobacco.

Key Findings

A 2026 study published in Tobacco Control looked at e-cigarette use in South Australia before and after vaping reforms were strengthened.

The study used population survey data from people aged 15 years and older. It found that current e-cigarette use increased between 2020 and 2023, then declined in 2024.

Finding	Result
Current e-cigarette use in 2020	2.6%
Current e-cigarette use in 2023	6.1%
Current e-cigarette use in 2024	4.2%
Young people aged 15–29 who used e-cigarettes but had never used tobacco in 2023	17.0%
Same group in 2024	5.5%
E-cigarette users who had ever tried to quit vaping	49.3%
Awareness of doctors or pharmacists as support sources	2.8%

What the Research Found

The authors reported that Australia’s strengthened vaping reforms corresponded with a decline in e-cigarette use in South Australia.

Importantly, the decline was mainly seen among younger people who had never used tobacco. This matters because e-cigarettes pose health risks and have no established benefit for people who have never used tobacco.

The study does not prove that the reforms alone caused the decline. However, the authors said continued monitoring is needed to build stronger evidence.

What This Means for Australians

Australia regulates vapes differently from many other countries. In Australia, therapeutic vapes are regulated as therapeutic goods and are only available through participating pharmacies under specific conditions.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration also states that vapes are not recommended as first-line treatment for quitting smoking. First-line options include behavioural support and TGA-approved nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gum and lozenges.

From 1 July 2025, pharmacies can only supply therapeutic vaping goods that meet strengthened TGA product standards. These standards include stricter rules on ingredients, packaging, labelling, device design and technical safety.

Why Support Still Matters

The research found that almost half of current e-cigarette users had tried to quit vaping. However, awareness of doctors and pharmacists as available sources of support was low.

This shows a clear need for better public education. People who smoke, vape, or use nicotine products should not have to work things out alone.

Support from qualified healthcare professionals can help people understand their options, manage cravings, and make safer decisions based on their own health needs.

Quitting smoking or nicotine dependence can feel difficult, but support is available. Evidence-based help, clear information and professional guidance can make the process easier and safer.

If you are trying to quit, speak with a qualified healthcare professional about the most suitable support for your situation.

Source and Credits

This article is based on the study “Australia’s unique vaping reforms: first results from a repeated cross-sectional study in South Australia”, published in Tobacco Control in 2026.

Original authors: Joanne Dono, Kerry Ettridge, Samuel Ziesing and Caroline Louise Miller.

Publisher: Tobacco Control, BMJ Group.

DOI: 10.1136/tc-2025-060005.

Australian regulatory information was checked against the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s guidance on nicotine vaping product standards from July 2025.

Vaping Reforms: What New Research Means for Australians Trying to Quit – NicQuit Australia