New laws for selling tobacco in NSW
27 June, 2025
NSW is introducing a new tobacco licensing scheme from 1 July 2025. Under the scheme, it will be compulsory for all retailers and wholesalers who sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products to hold a valid licence.
All retailers and wholesalers will need to renew their licence annually for a fee of $1,100.
Important dates
From 1 July 2025
- Retailers and wholesalers can apply for a tobacco licence. Early applications are encouraged.
By 1 October 2025
- A valid licence application must be submitted on or before 1 October 2025 if retailers and wholesalers want to continue trading until they are notified of the outcome of their application.
- If a licence is granted, retailers and wholesalers may continue to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products.
- If an application is rejected, retailers and wholesalers must stop selling tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products.
From 2 October 2025
- Retailers and wholesalers applying for a licence on or after 2 October 2025 can only sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products once their licence has been granted.
Fines and penalties
New penalties have been introduced for anyone selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a valid licence. The maximum penalties will be:
- $11,000 for a first offence for an individual, or $44,000 for a second or subsequent offence for an individual
- $220,000 for a corporation.
More information
Information on the NSW tobacco licencing scheme can be found at www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobaccolicensing Retailers and wholesalers are strongly encouraged to check the website regularly to stay up to date with these changes.
Members of the public are encouraged to report illegal tobacco sales via the NSW Health website.