New laws designed to crack down on the illegal tobacco and vape trade in Tasmania came into force on Friday, 26 June 2026. The Tasmanian Government announced the commencement of the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2026 following its passage through Parliament.
The changes to the Public Health Act 1997 introduce tougher penalties for selling illegal tobacco and vapes, create new offences, and give authorities the power to issue closure orders for businesses caught breaking the law. The commencement of the Act was formally proclaimed by Tasmania’s Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, in a special government gazette published on Friday.
Minister for Small Business, Guy Barnett, stated in a media release that the laws were an important step in stopping the illegal tobacco trade, which he said harms small businesses and Tasmanians. “Our small businesses are seeing a roughly 60 per cent downturn in tobacco sales year on year because of the illegal trade,” Minister Barnett said. He noted the new laws provide “more tools in the toolbox to combat the sale of illegal tobacco across our state.”
The Tasmanian Government said the legislation is also aimed at protecting young people. When the bill passed the House of Assembly in April, the Minister for Health, Bridget Archer, said the illicit products undermine efforts to reduce smoking and are often sold in ways that target teenagers.
The new powers also address links between the illegal tobacco trade and organised crime, according to the government. Minister for Police, Felix Ellis, said in an April statement that “Illegal tobacco is fueling organised crime across Australia,” and the tougher powers send a strong message to criminal gangs.
The changes have been welcomed by industry groups. The CEO of Tasmanian Independent Retailers, John Devine, thanked the government for the new laws. “They are going to be a vital new tool in fighting the scourge of illegal tobacco sales, which is smashing local businesses and driving up smoking rates by making tobacco more accessible, especially to young people,” Mr Devine said.
The Tasmanian Government first released the draft bill for public consultation in February 2026, flagging its intent to create new offences and strengthen enforcement. The full text of the proclamation can be found in the Tasmanian Government Gazette.