Department of Health

Key messages

  • From 1 July 2025, tobacco retailers and wholesalers must apply for a licence to sell tobacco products in Victoria.
  • In Victoria, the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products and accessories is regulated by the Tobacco Act 1987.
  • These laws ban the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products to people under the age of 18 years, as well as regulate the display and advertising of these products.
  • Retailers must also ensure that persons under 18 do not purchase tobacco products from a vending machine on their premises.

Tobacco Business Licensing Scheme

If you sell tobacco in Victoria, either to the public or to other businesses, you must have a tobacco licence. This applies to both retail and wholesale sales.

From 1 July 2025, Tobacco retailers and wholesalers must apply for a tobacco licenceExternal Link .

Enforcement and compliance will begin on 1 February 2026. Businesses that sell tobacco must have a licence by this date.

For more information or to apply for a licence, see Tobacco licensingExternal Link .

Key requirements for tobacco retailers

Key requirements for tobacco retailers include:

  • A ban on the sale of tobacco products to people under 18 years of age
  • A ban on the display and advertising of tobacco products
  • Displaying relevant signage ie. Health warning and no sale to U18
  • A ban on tobacco products from shopper loyalty programs
  • Ensuring that people under 18 years of age do not purchase tobacco products from a vending machine on their premises.

Ban Orders

There are currently two Ministerial Ban Orders under Section 15(O) of the Tobacco Act 1987. For further details visit:

Reviewed 09 July 2025

Health.vic

Contact us

Tobacco and e-cigarettes team

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