Hazard type

Infection
Internal injury
Poisoning by ingestion

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Risks and injuries from the product

Smokeless tobacco products are absorbed into the user's system through sucking or chewing. They can carry levels of nicotine equivalent to or greater than those found in cigarettes.

Studies have shown a link between using smokeless tobacco products and a variety of diseases and infections including:

  • pancreatic cancer
  • oral cancer
  • pharyngeal cancer
  • local lesions in the mouth.

Products the ban applies to

Smokeless tobacco is available in several forms.

  • Oral snuff – ground tobacco held in place in the mouth and sucked. Snuff can be loose or in a ready to use sachet much like a teabag designed for sucking.
  • Paste and powder – tobacco ground down to paste or powder and applied to the teeth or gums.
  • Chewing tobacco – a loose leaf, plug tobacco or twist chewing tobacco chewed by the user.

Smokeless tobacco products such as nasal snuffs or tobacco-free oral snuffs may not be captured under the ban. We suggest contacting the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or your local state or territory health department, to see if other legislation applies.

Importing smokeless tobacco for personal use under 1.5 kgs

People may import smokeless tobacco products if the product is for personal use.

It can't be imported for supply and must not weigh more than 1.5 kg.

You must pay import duties for all imported tobacco, including smokeless tobacco imported for personal use. Please visit the Australian Border Force website for more information.