BONGS have been banned from sale in Victoria, with retailers who break the law facing fines of more than $36,000.

From yesterday, individuals who sell bongs face $7000 fines.

Police can also confiscate bongs or bong components that are displayed for sale.

Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the ban rectified a mixed message being sent by the previous law that it was legal to buy bongs, but illegal to smoke cannabis.

Ice pipes and cocaine kits, both apparatus used to consume illicit drugs, were already banned from sale in Victoria, she said.

Hookahs - Middle Eastern water bongs - are excluded from the ban.

Originally published as Going, going bong for the new year