Liquid nicotine will become a prescription-only product from October this year. 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says that from October 1, 2021 a prescription will be required to access nicotine e-cigarettes and their liquid flavourings. 

Additionally, liquid nicotine containers will have mandatory child-resistant closures.

“Nicotine containing e-cigarettes are currently illegal to sell in every state and territory and possession in all jurisdictions (except South Australia) is also illegal without a valid medical prescription,” Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says

"That means that there is a current situation that legally imported materials are then illegally possessed under state law.

"This decision will both reduce the risk of an onramp for teenagers... while rectifying the issue of legal importation but illegal possession.”

Surveys have shown there are around 500,000 Australian ‘vapers’; consumers of electronic cigarettes. Many say ‘vaping’ e-cigarettes has helped them quit smoking tobacco, and are concerned that the new rules may make products less accessible. 

Reports say there are just 14 doctors across the country currently registered to prescribe liquid nicotine.

Doctors must Mr register with the TGA to become an "authorised prescriber".

“It is important to note that any doctor may currently prescribe nicotine containing e-cigarettes that can be used by consumers for personal importation,” Mr Hunt said.

“This is not widely understood, and it is an important matter of public information that over 30,000 GPs may currently, and in the future, prescribe nicotine-based e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.”