TGA Seizes 57,000 Illegal Vaping Goods in NSW Crackdown

TGA Australia Media Releases

Filed February 10th, 2026

Detected March 12th, 2026

Summary

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, with law enforcement support, seized over 57,000 illegal vaping products in Burwood, NSW. This action targets the illicit supply of vapes, with significant penalties including fines and imprisonment for non-compliance with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

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What changed

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), in collaboration with the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), conducted an enforcement action on February 3, 2026, resulting in the seizure of over 57,000 illegal vaping goods in Burwood, NSW. This operation targeted a significant illegal supply operation, striking at a commercial storage facility and associated vehicles. The TGA emphasizes that selling vapes is illegal for all retailers except participating pharmacies, and non-compliance with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can lead to severe penalties.

Regulated entities, particularly those involved in the supply chain of vaping products, should be aware of the TGA's ongoing enforcement activities and the strict legal framework governing vape sales in Australia. The penalties for non-compliance are substantial, including potential imprisonment for individuals and significant fines for corporations. Businesses must ensure they are only selling legal therapeutic vapes through authorized channels, such as participating pharmacies. The TGA encourages reporting of illegal supply and provides resources for those seeking to quit vaping.

What to do next

Review current inventory and sales practices for vaping products to ensure compliance with Australian Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
Verify that all vaping products are sourced through legal channels and are approved for sale.
Report any suspected illegal supply of vaping goods to the TGA.

Penalties

Imprisonment for up to seven years, fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals, and $23.1 million for corporations per offence.

Source document (simplified)

Vape enforcement crackdown with major seizure in Burwood NSW

Published

10 February 2026

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- LinkedIn
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- Email On 3 February 2026 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with support from the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), conducted targeted enforcement action in Burwood, New South Wales, seizing more than 57,000 illegal vaping goods. Investigations into the seized goods are ongoing, and further enforcement action may follow.

The seizure followed warrant activity at a commercial storage facility and two associated vehicles, striking an alleged significant illegal supply operation. This activity, and the strong collaboration with the NSW Police Force and AFP, sends a clear and uncompromising message to those seeking to profit from the supply of illegal vapes to our community: if you break the law, you face serious consequences.

It is illegal for any retailer other than participating pharmacies to sell any kind of vape, including tobacconists and convenience stores. Non‑compliance with the vaping‑related provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can attract significant penalties, including imprisonment for up to seven years, fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals, and $23.1 million for corporations per offence.

Since the introduction of vaping reforms, the TGA, Australian Border Force (ABF), state and territory health departments, and police agencies have worked together on 48 joint activities to disrupt and dismantle the illegal vaping trade.

The TGA encourages anyone with information about the illegal supply of vaping goods to report it to the TGA via the website: Report a breach.

If you need support to quit smoking or vaping, speak with a health professional, call Quitline on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT), or download the My QuitBuddy App.

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