Illegal imports of vapes in Australia: What Customs is doing in 2025?

In 2025, Australian customs is actively targeting illegal imports of nicotine vapes through increased border surveillance, mail centre seizures, and partnerships with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Thousands of non-compliant vapes are being confiscated monthly.

Walk into almost any Aussie vape forum right now and you will find the same questions repeated: Can I still order from overseas?, Is customs really checking everything?, What happens if my vape gets seized?

Since the shift to prescription-only access for nicotine vapes in Australia, the government has been stepping up its crackdown on illegal imports. While it was once easy to grab a vape online from overseas sellers, 2025 paints a very different picture. Customs is no longer treating vape packages as just another parcel, they are treating them like controlled goods. Because that is what they legally are now.

If you are wondering whether customs is actually taking action or if it is just scare tactics, here is what is really going on behind the scenes – and why buying black, market vapes is becoming a bigger risk than ever.

Same as article:

• How Vapers Are Adapting to Australia’s Prescription-Only Vape Laws in 2025
• Australia’s vape policy update: What changed from July to December 2025
• Are Disposable Vapes Illegal in Australia? Everything You Need to Know

1. Why illegal vape imports are on the radar?

Let us start with the basics. Under current Australian law, it is illegal to import nicotine-containing vapes without a valid prescription. This applies whether the product is a disposable device, a refillable pod, or a bottle of e-liquid with nicotine in it.

Despite the laws, a significant number of Australians have continued to order from overseas websites, particularly ones based in China, Malaysia, New Zealand, or the UK. These sites often ignore Australia’s import restrictions and do not require prescriptions at the checkout.

This behaviour has created a booming underground supply chain, and the government is not happy about it.

The growing concern is twofold:

• Youth access: Many of the seized vapes are candy-flavoured, brightly coloured, and clearly marketed at younger audiences.
• Safety standards: Most illegal imports do not comply with Australian standards such as TGO 110, meaning they may contain unsafe ingredients, inconsistent nicotine levels, or poor-quality hardware.

That is why customs is now on the offensive.

2. What Customs is doing in 2025?

As of this year, Australian Border Force (ABF), in partnership with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has implemented a number of serious enforcement strategies to intercept illegal vapes before they reach local users.

2.1. Increased parcel scanning at international mail centres

ABF officers are now conducting more frequent and targeted x-ray scans at major mail hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Parcels marked as “gifts”, “electronics”, or even “clothing” are flagged for manual inspection if their weight, shape, or declared contents raise red flags.

Vape devices often give themselves away by shape alone, especially larger capacity disposables or boxed multi-packs. If the contents are found to be nicotine-related and the recipient cannot provide a valid prescription, the items are seized and destroyed.

2.2. Data-sharing with online marketplaces

In 2025, customs has stepped up its partnerships with online payment platforms and shopping sites. They are working to identify repeat importers, particularly those using proxy addresses, international forwarding services, or bulk-buying under multiple names.

Packages linked to known grey-market sellers are automatically flagged. And it is not just private individuals on the radar. Several international online stores have now been blacklisted, with customs refusing to release any packages shipped under those names.

2.3. Seizure reports and public warning campaigns

Each month, the TGA and ABF are now publishing updated seizure reports that list:

• Total number of vapes confiscated
• Nicotine volume estimates
• Common brand names intercepted
• Ports of entry where seizures occurred

These public bulletins aim to deter would-be buyers and keep the vaping community informed. In some cases, letters have been sent to people whose packages were seized, warning them of potential penalties.

In one report earlier this year, over 93,000 disposable vapes were seized at Sydney Airport’s mail centre alone. That figure is expected to rise as enforcement continues to ramp up.

3. What happens if your vape package gets seized?

Let’s say you placed an order from a site overseas. A few weeks go by and nothing arrives. Then you get a letter from customs, or nothing at all. What now?

If the package is inspected and found to contain nicotine vape products without a prescription, it is immediately seized and typically destroyed. In most cases, you will not be fined on the spot – but your name and delivery address are logged into customs records.

Here is what can happen next:

• First-time importers may simply lose the parcel, especially if the quantity is low and no criminal intent is suspected.
• Repeat offenders may receive warning letters or be placed on an observation list for future mail screening.
• In some cases, civil penalties or prosecution can apply. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act, fines can be as high as $222,000 for importing unapproved therapeutic goods.

So while some vapers may think they are flying under the radar, the risk is stacking up with every shipment.

4. Impact on the legal vape market

Illegal imports do more than just break the law. They undermine the efforts of licensed sellers and prescribers who follow regulations, pay taxes, and support harm-reduction strategies. When non-compliant vapes flood the market:

• Prices are distorted
• Quality becomes inconsistent
• Youth access becomes harder to control
• Trusted brands get mixed up with counterfeits

Legitimate vape businesses in Australia – like VAPE WAREHOUSE, must meet strict standards, verify prescriptions, and sell only certified products. These businesses help ensure that vaping remains accessible for adult smokers who genuinely need it, while keeping unsafe devices out of circulation.

Cracking down on illegal imports is not about punishing vapers. It is about cleaning up the supply chain so that the people who actually rely on vaping can keep doing so-safely and legally.

5. Safer options for Aussie vapers

The good news is that prescription access is easier than ever, and you do not need to risk dodgy overseas orders anymore. Here is how you can vape legally and safely in 2025:

• Get a prescription online: Use reputable telehealth platforms that offer fast, low-cost nicotine prescriptions for smoking cessation.
• Buy from authorised retailers: Sites like VAPE WAREHOUSE work within the law, accept prescriptions, and ship nicotine vapes directly to your door-without the customs drama.
• Avoid overseas “bargain” shops: Many sites that seem cheap are either shipping fake products, mislabelled items, or banned flavours. You are better off with a trusted local source.
• Stick with TGO-compliant brands: Choose brands sold by licensed sellers in Australia: ALIBARBAR, IGET, RELX, BIMO, HQD, GROO, SEREIN, and more.

Vaping legally in 2025 is still very possible-it just means a few extra steps. And in return, you avoid losing parcels, wasting money, or ending up on a customs list.

6. Know the law, vape with confidence

The Australian vape landscape has changed, but that does not mean it is closing its doors. It just means the grey zone is disappearing.

If you are still ordering vapes from questionable sites overseas, it is time to rethink your strategy. Customs is no longer looking the other way. They are watching closely, and they are taking action-because illegal imports put everyone at risk, not just you.

Play it smart. Get your script. Buy from trusted, local retailers. And stay in control of your vaping journey, legally and confidently.

Where to buy legal disposable vapes In Australia?

VAPE WAREHOUSE Australia is here to help you stay compliant and stocked.

• 100% prescription-compliant vape products
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• Lightning-fast delivery and verified support
• Simple prescription upload at checkout

Order now at vapewarehouseau.com. Have questions about buying legally? Message us anytime on WhatsApp at +61489 184 146 – we have got your back.