Minors will have limited access to shisha devices and e-cigarettes, under new South Australian laws.

The use of e-cigarettes in non-smoking areas and online sales have been banned under the legislation which took effect from Sunday.

A definition for shisha tobacco, where people smoke using an Arabic-style hookah pipe, has also been added to the legislation.

The state government introduced the laws to limit the pathways for minors to progress to smoking tobacco.

Health Minister Stephen Wade said it was an important public health measure to reduce harm.

"There will be a six-month transition period for retailers to make some of the required changes to their business", Minister Wade said.

"This will provide time to remove displays, advertising, and online sales of e-cigarette products."

SA's Director of Drug and Alcohol Services Marina Bowshall said the risk of e-cigarettes were unknown and research into the health effects would continue.

"The new laws take a precautionary approach aiming to protect the health of the community, including children, while still allowing adults to access these products," she said.