Australian Vaping in 2026: Rules, Demand and Leading Picks

Australia’s vape category looks very different in 2026 to how it did before the mid-2024 rule changes. Access is now shaped by a therapeutic-goods framework, while consumer demand remains strong and enforcement activity continues to rise. That mix has pushed the market toward clearer product information and more cautious purchasing habits.

For adult shoppers trying to understand the current landscape, the key questions are practical: what is permitted, where the gaps in supply are, and which brands have built a stronger reputation among users. This overview covers the market size, the present access pathway, the main enforcement trends and a few devices that are frequently discussed by Australian buyers.

Market size and user behaviour

Available market data suggests vaping is now a substantial consumer category in Australia rather than a small niche. IMARC Group valued the local e-cigarette market at USD 518.6 million in 2025, with growth projected to continue through to 2034. That sits alongside figures showing around 1.7 million Australian adults currently vape.

The usage profile also points to regular use rather than occasional trial. The AIHW reported that 7.0% of Australians aged 14 and over were current users in 2022–2023, and 49% of those users vaped daily. RACGP data also noted 30% year-on-year growth in 2024, which helps explain why the category still attracts close attention from retailers and regulators alike.

How the current framework works

Since 1 July 2024, vaping products have been treated as therapeutic goods under the TGA framework. In most states, adults aged 18 and over can access nicotine vaping products through licensed pharmacies without a prescription if the nicotine concentration is at or below 20 mg/mL. The permitted legal flavours in that channel are tobacco, mint and menthol.

Some jurisdictions apply tighter rules. Tasmania requires a prescription for all nicotine vaping products, regardless of age, and Western Australia also requires prescriptions for all users. Western Australia has also announced especially severe penalties, including fines of up to $4.2 million for individuals and $21 million for corporations for certain breaches.

Regulatory milestones

• 1 October 2021: prescriptions required for nicotine vaping products
• 1 January 2024: import ban on non-prescription nicotine vapes
• 1 July 2024: therapeutic-goods classification and national pharmacy pathway
• 1 October 2024: domestic manufacturing and supply restrictions applied
• March 2026: Western Australia introduced higher penalties

Enforcement and the supply gap

Border enforcement has been a major feature of the market. The Australian Border Force has seized more than 19 million vapes since the import ban began, including about 4 million units intercepted between December 2025 and March 2026 alone. Those numbers show how actively authorities are targeting illicit supply.

At the same time, the formal access channel appears small relative to overall demand. RACGP reported around 40,000 Special Access Scheme notifications processed through May 2025. Against a user base measured in the millions, that suggests a significant gap between the legal pathway and actual consumer demand.

For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: product details and seller transparency matter. Established retailers tend to emphasise specification clarity, flavour listings and consistent product descriptions, which helps customers compare devices without relying on guesswork.

Brands commonly discussed by Australian buyers

Among the names often mentioned in the Australian market, Alibarbar and IGET ONE are both prominent. They occupy slightly different positions: Alibarbar is associated with hardware features and longer device life, while IGET ONE is known for a broad flavour range and high-capacity rechargeable formats.

Alibarbar Ingot 9000

The Alibarbar Ingot 9000 is presented as a high-capacity disposable-style device with a 22 mL e-liquid capacity and a rated 9,000 puffs. Its feature set includes a metal body and LED display, and the range is described as covering 29 flavours across berry, tropical, candy, drink-inspired and menthol profiles.

One variation in the Alibarbar line is the Ice Adjust format, which adds independent cooling control through a separate ice-oil tank. That setup allows users to adjust the cooling feel without changing the base flavour, which is one of the brand’s more distinctive product ideas.

IGET ONE 12000

The IGET ONE 12000 is a rechargeable device rated for 12,000 puffs and fitted with USB-C charging. It is also described as offering more than 20 flavour options, giving buyers a broad choice of flavour styles in a compact device format.

Its appeal is straightforward: higher puff count, simple recharging and a wide flavour range. For shoppers comparing similar devices, that combination makes it easy to weigh convenience against flavour variety and overall capacity.

Comparing the two devices

Both models are aimed at users who want longer-lasting devices, but they approach the category differently. Alibarbar leans into material finish, cooling control and clear hardware features, while IGET ONE focuses on rechargeability and flavour breadth.

• Alibarbar Ingot 9000: 9,000 puffs, 22 mL capacity, LED display, flavour-forward positioning
• IGET ONE 12000: 12,000 puffs, USB-C charging, 20+ flavours, rechargeable design
• Alibarbar Ice Adjust: adjustable cooling control, dual-tank style layout, rechargeable format

When comparing devices, capacity, rechargeability and flavour range are the main points to check. Buyers often look at whether the battery setup matches the e-liquid supply, and whether the flavour list is broad enough to suit their preferences.

What to look for before buying

Device specs are easiest to assess when you separate the basics: puff rating, e-liquid volume, battery type and charging method. A higher puff count is useful, but it should be considered alongside liquid capacity and whether the device is rechargeable. If those elements are balanced, the device is more likely to suit regular use.

Cooling control is another point of difference in some product lines. In the Alibarbar Ice Adjust range, the cooling level can be adjusted, which may appeal to buyers who prefer a more personalised feel rather than a fixed menthol profile.

It also helps to read flavour descriptions carefully. Some ranges stay close to tobacco and mint, while others focus on fruit, candy or beverage-inspired profiles. That makes comparison easier, especially when you are narrowing options between similarly sized devices.

Looking ahead

The Australian vape market is likely to keep evolving in two directions at once: stronger enforcement and more feature-rich products. On the enforcement side, border seizures and higher penalties indicate that authorities are still tightening control over illicit supply. On the product side, rechargeable formats and adjustable features are becoming more common.

For adult customers, the most useful approach is to stay across the rules that apply in your state and to compare products on their published specifications rather than assumptions. Clear labelling, visible capacity details and flavour information remain the most practical checks when choosing between devices.

As the market matures, the brands that continue to stand out are the ones that keep their products easy to compare. That is why devices such as the Alibarbar Ingot 9000, Alibarbar Ice Adjust and IGET ONE 12000 continue to draw attention from Australian shoppers looking for structured product information and familiar brand names.

Keep exploring

Continue comparing options in our Alibarbar INGOT range and IGET One range, or visit the Local Cig Supply article library for more product explainers.