Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992

What this Act does:

This law bans tobacco advertising across Australia to protect public health by limiting exposure to messages that encourage smoking or tobacco use.

Key prohibitions:

• Broadcasting: No tobacco ads on TV, radio, or other broadcast services (with limited exceptions for accidental broadcasts)
• Publication: Corporations and businesses cannot publish tobacco ads in newspapers, magazines, films, public places, workplaces, or electronically (including internet and mobile devices)
• Importation: Bans importing foreign periodicals containing tobacco advertisements (with defences for private use or libraries)

Who it affects:

• Tobacco manufacturers, distributors, and retailers
• Media companies, advertising agencies, and digital platforms
• Internet service providers and telecommunications carriers
• Airlines (restrictions on in-flight advertising between Australian cities)
• Importers of magazines and publications

Important exceptions:

• Point-of-sale: Shop displays allowed under state laws or Commonwealth regulations
• Internet sales: Online tobacco ads permitted only if they include purchase facilities and comply with strict rules (age verification, health warnings)