WORK & BUSINESS LICENSES
Media Releases
28 November 2024

New penalties cracking down on the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes took effect on 28 November 2024.

South Australia has among the highest penalties in the nation against the sale of illicit vapes and tobacco amid the state's fight against the criminals who sell it.

The new penalties are significantly higher with fines of up to $1.5 million for breaches.

They include:

  • advertising tobacco products – increase from $10,000 to $750,000 (first offence) or $1.1 million for subsequent offences
  • selling without a licence – increase from $20,000 to $750,000 (first offence) or $1.1 million for subsequent offences
  • sales to a minor – up to $1 million for a first offence and $1.5 million for subsequent offences (up from $20,000 and $40,000)
  • sales of illicit tobacco or possession for the purpose of sale – increase from $50,000 to $750,000 (first offence) or $1.1 million for subsequent offences
  • new offences for the sale or possession for the purpose of sale of e-cigarettes or other prohibited products up to $750,000 for the first offence and $1.1 million for subsequent offences.

The new penalties come in the wake of SAPOL’s Operation Eclipse, which is investigating the criminal networks involved in the trade of illicit tobacco and those believed responsible for the spate of arson attacks in recent months.

As part of Operation Eclipse, SAPOL and Consumer and Business Services are working together, while also liaising with Victoria Police, Border Force and other agencies.

The state government has been spearheading the fight against vapes and illegal tobacco and their criminal enterprises for months with a new $16 million dedicated taskforce within Consumer and Business Services coming into force on 1 July 2024.

Since July 1, almost $12 million worth of illicit tobacco and vapes has been seized.

In continuing efforts to stamp out this illicit trade people are encouraged to report illegal tobacco or vape dealers to www.cbs.sa.gov.au/tobacco.

South Australians can find resources to help quit smoking or vaping at besmokefree.com.au or by calling the Quitline on 13 78 48.

More information detailing changes to SA's tobacco laws can be found at www.cbs.sa.gov.au/tobacco-changes.