The new Tobacco Licensing Scheme has officially commenced in NSW, replacing the old Retailer Identification Number (RIN) system. 

By 1 October 2025, all retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products must have lodged a valid application for a tobacco licence to continue trading while their application is assessed.

If you do not apply for a licence by 1 October 2025, you risk trading unlawfully.

Below is a quick guide to help you with next steps. For full details and step-by-step application guidance, please visit the NSW Health website.

Who Needs a Licence?

• All businesses selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products (e.g. herbal cigarettes).
• A separate licence is required for each premises (including online stores). E.g. If you have three stores, you must apply for three licences.
• In NSW, vaping products are not included as these fall under Federal law. They can only be sold by pharmacies for therapeutic use.

Key Dates

By 1 October 2025:

• A valid licence application must be submitted on or before 1 October 2025 if retailers and wholesalers wish to continue selling tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products until an outcome has been received.
• 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:

• If you apply for a licence on or after 2 October 2025, you must stop selling tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products until your licence has been granted. 
• NSW Health inspectors will begin enforcement from this date. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

How to Apply

Apply online through your MyServiceNSW account via the Service NSW website.

You will need:

• Proof of identity documents
• A national police check certificate (issued within the last 3 months). Allow time for this to be processed – may take several weeks.
• A credit card for payment at the end of the online application process. 
  You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted. If you don’t see it, check your spam/junk folders.

Licence Fee

A fee of $1,100 applies for each licence. All retailers and wholesalers will need to renew their licence annually.

MGA is monitoring the rollout of the scheme and the financial impact of annual licensing fees on members. We acknowledge concerns about the cost of compliance in NSW, especially compared to other states.

Requirements Once Licensed

• You must comply with tobacco retailing laws in NSW. For full compliance details, visit: Tobacco Retailing Laws in NSW
• A copy of your licence must be clearly displayed at the point of sale.

Need help or more information?

Call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412 if you have questions about the licensing scheme or if you need assistance with the application process. 

We strongly encourage members to act promptly to ensure uninterrupted trading.

For any legal or HR assistance, please reach out to our Employment Advisory team on 1800 888 479 or via the online enquiry form.