Vaping in Australia

Key Statistics

All age groups

The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) has found increasing rates of vaping in Australia.

• In 2022–23, 1 in 5 (19.8%) people aged 14 and over reported using an e-cigarette at least once in their lifetime.
• People 14 and over who reported vaping in the past year increased from 2.5% in 2019 to 7% in 2022-2023.¹

Young people (18-24 years of age)

• Use of vapes in the past year increased from 5.3% in 2019, to 21% in 2022-23. 
• Almost 1 in 10 18 to 24 year olds reported vaping daily 2022-2023.¹

Teens (14-17)

• Teen use in the past year increased significantly - from 1.8% in 2019, to 9.7% in 2022-23. 
• 3.5% reported vaping daily in 2022-23.¹

And use in this age bracket is higher for females.

• Reported past year use was 13.5% for girls, compared to 7.1% for boys.
• Daily use was 5.7% of girls, compared to 1.8% of boys.¹

An Australian schools survey also found vaping had increased.

• 12.9% of teens aged between 12-15 had vaped in the last month.
• 22.1% of 16-17 years old had vaped in the last month.²

What’s happening in Australia

In response to growing concern around young people vaping, the Australian Government has changed how vapes are regulated. Changes as of March 2024 include:

• a ban on the importation of all vapes (with and without nicotine, and including rechargeable devices) without an import licence and permit
• specific product requirements for imported vapes, with flavours limited to mint, menthol or tobacco.^3,4

Some therapeutic (legal) vapes are allowed. These are vapes prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner for someone quitting smoking, or managing a nicotine dependence (addiction).4

And more changes might be on the way, you can read about the changes so far here and on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.