Online Tobacco Rules in Australia: What Adults Should Know
Online Tobacco Rules in Australia: What Adults Should Know
Australia has strict laws governing how tobacco products may be sold, packaged and displayed online. These requirements are designed to restrict tobacco promotion, protect young people and ensure adult customers receive appropriate information.
Here are some important points adults should understand before using an online tobacco retail website in Australia.
Tobacco Sales Are Restricted to Adults
It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to anyone under 18 in Australia.
Online tobacco websites must have a system that prevents people under 18 from accessing tobacco advertisements or purchasing facilities. Retailers may also request acceptable identification to confirm a customer’s age before processing an order.
Providing incorrect age information or purchasing tobacco on behalf of a minor is not permitted.
Australian Tobacco Products Require Plain Packaging
Tobacco products legally supplied in Australia must meet the country’s plain-packaging and health-warning requirements.
Packaging cannot use conventional promotional designs, brand imagery or marketing statements. Mandatory health warnings must also appear in the required format.
These rules apply regardless of whether a tobacco product is purchased from a physical retailer or through an online store.
Online Tobacco Advertising Is Limited
Australian online tobacco retailers cannot advertise products in the same way as ordinary ecommerce businesses.
Permitted online product information is generally limited to details such as:
- Product and variant name
- Package size or weight
- Price, including applicable taxes
- Delivery charges
- Product code
- Country of origin in the permitted format
Online point-of-sale listings must follow a standardised layout. Tobacco product images, promotional descriptions, discount claims and words intended to encourage a purchase are prohibited.
Pages containing online tobacco advertisements must also display the required government health warning.
State and Territory Requirements May Apply
Australian tobacco laws include Commonwealth requirements as well as additional state and territory rules.
These rules may cover retail licensing, age verification, product displays, delivery and the locations where tobacco products can legally be supplied. Customers and retailers should consider the laws applying in the relevant destination before an order is completed.
Ordering and Delivery Information
Ozcig uses Australia Post for eligible Australian deliveries.
Available delivery locations may include residential and business addresses, PO Boxes and Parcel Lockers, subject to applicable laws and Australia Post service availability.
After an eligible order has been dispatched, customers receive a shipping confirmation email containing tracking information. Tracking updates may take up to 24 hours to appear.
Delivery estimates are not guaranteed and may be affected by public holidays, address information, Australia Post operations and circumstances outside the retailer’s control.
Making Informed Decisions
Smoking causes serious health problems, and tobacco products are addictive. Australian tobacco laws are intended to ensure these products are not promoted as ordinary consumer goods.
Adults considering quitting smoking can contact Quitline on 13 7848 or speak with a doctor or pharmacist.
Official Information
Further information is available from:
- Australian Government Department of Health: Advertising and sponsorship bans
- Australian Government Department of Health: Online point-of-sale advertising requirements
- NSW Health: Tobacco retailing laws