Hazard type

Internal injury
Lung disease
Poisoning by ingestion

On this page

Risks and injuries from the product

Novelty cigarettes or ‘puff cigarettes’ look like real cigarettes. They contain hydrated magnesium silicate, the primary ingredient in talcum powder.

When you exhale on the cigarette, hydrated magnesium silicate is released. This makes it look like smoke is rising from the fake cigarette.

Inhaling or swallowing hydrated magnesium silicate is dangerous.

It can cause poisoning or internal injuries like lung damage.

Products the ban applies to

There is a permanent ban on novelty cigarettes, because they contain hydrated magnesium silicate a dangerous substance.

View the full details of this ban at Consumer Protection Notice No. 15 of 2011.

What to do if a banned product is being sold

If you are supplying the product

If you become aware that you are supplying a banned or unsafe product, you must:

  1. immediately stop supplying the product
  2. conduct a product recall and let consumers know
  3. notify the ACCC within 2 days of taking recall action.

If you find the product for sale

If you’re aware of any banned or unsafe products being supplied in Australia, you can report the unsafe product to the ACCC.

Report an unsafe product

Penalties for supplying banned products

Supplying a banned product can result in the ACCC taking action. This may result in a:

  • fine
  • court enforceable undertaking
  • disqualification from being a company director
  • court action with penalties
  • product recall.