The ACT Government will increase enforcement measures to target illegal smoking products, including illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes, under new legislation introduced to the Legislative Assembly.
Rachel Stephen-Smith, Minister for Health, introduced the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2025, which expands inspection, seizure and penalty powers for authorised officers.
The Bill allows officers to issue infringement notices of $1,600 for the sale of prohibited smoking products and classifies illicit tobacco as a prohibited smoking product under Territory law.
Stephen-Smith said the legislation would help authorities respond to growing public health concerns around illegal tobacco and vaping.
“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring our regulatory agencies are equipped to respond to emerging risks, including illegal tobacco and vaping products. These amendments are part of our broader commitment to protecting the community from the harms of tobacco and e-cigarettes.”
“We are not stopping here. The ACT Government will bring forward further reforms in 2026 targeting the illicit tobacco trade.
Other key measures include expanded entry powers for inspections, stronger seizure provisions allowing retention of seized goods without compensation in certain circumstances, updated identity card protections for officers, and technical amendments to improve regulatory clarity.
Tara Cheyne, Minister for City and Government Services, said the changes were necessary to keep up with evolving enforcement challenges.
“Modernising the ACT Government’s enforcement powers is essential to keeping pace with the evolving tactics used in the illicit tobacco and vaping trade.
“The sale and supply of illicit tobacco is already illegal in the ACT and by classifying illicit tobacco as a prohibited smoking product it will give authorised officers in Access Canberra the powers they need to act swiftly and proportionately.”
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