Massive E-cigarette Smuggling Case Uncovered in Singapore

Apr.06.2023
Massive E-cigarette Smuggling Case Uncovered in Singapore
Singapore customs caught a Malaysian truck smuggling 70,200 e-cigarette pods along with mineral water at Tuas Checkpoint.

On March 28th, immigration and checkpoint authorities in Singapore (ICA) confiscated a Malaysian-registered truck attempting to smuggle 70,200 electronic cigarette pods while carrying mineral water into the country at the Tuas checkpoint. Customs officials discovered multiple concealed pod boxes during a vehicle inspection of the mineral water batch. The case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore for further investigation.


Last Wednesday, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore seized 85,000 electronic cigarette products from a warehouse in Mandai, in what is currently the country's largest case of electronic cigarette smuggling. Five suspects, aged between 20 and 33 years old, were detained by the police and are cooperating with the HSA’s investigation.


The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in Singapore discovered multiple boxes of electronic cigarette pods in a shipment of mineral water being transported by truck. Photo credit: ICA Facebook page.


Singapore imposes penalties against illegal e-cigarette activities.


Singapore has banned the import, distribution, sale, and provision of electronic cigarettes and other harmful or imitation tobacco products. Those who violate this law for the first time may face fines of up to SGD 10,000 (approximately RMB 51,718) or imprisonment for six months, or both.


Individuals who commit the offense for a second time may face a fine of up to 20,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 103,436 Chinese yuan) or a maximum imprisonment period of twelve months, or both.


References:


The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has confiscated 70,200 vape refill pods from a lorry registered in Malaysia at Tuas Checkpoint.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

China Business Journal Reports: Multiple New E-Cigarette Policies Enter Public Consultation Phase in China, Covering Capacity Control and Credit Management
China Business Journal Reports: Multiple New E-Cigarette Policies Enter Public Consultation Phase in China, Covering Capacity Control and Credit Management
China Business Journal, citing a review of policy documents released by the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration in early 2026, said China’s latest e-cigarette rules target credit-based regulation, capacity controls and national standards revisions.Alan Zhao, co-founder of 2Firsts, said tighter oversight will speed consolidation, curb noncompliance and reduce destructive competition.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Further Tightens E-Cigarette Capacity and Investment Controls, Supply Chain Faces Stronger Regulation and Accelerated Shakeout
China Further Tightens E-Cigarette Capacity and Investment Controls, Supply Chain Faces Stronger Regulation and Accelerated Shakeout
China is tightening controls over e-cigarette production capacity and investment as regulators move to curb disorderly competition and address oversupply risks, a new policy framework released on December 25 shows, signaling stronger oversight and a faster shakeout across the country’s e-cigarette supply chain, according to first-hand reporting by 2Firsts.
Dec.25
JT launches half-price Ploom AURA promotion across online and offline channels
JT launches half-price Ploom AURA promotion across online and offline channels
Japan Tobacco (JT) has announced a limited-time promotion on selected standard colors of its heated tobacco device Ploom AURA, running from 8 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. During the campaign, the starter kit price will be cut from 2,980 yen (approximately US$19.20) to 1,480 yen (around US$9.53).
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have announced adjustments to export tax rebate policies, placing nicotine-containing non-combustible inhalation products within the scope of items subject to rebate cancellation. The measures will take effect from April 1, 2026.
Regulations
Jan.10
Russia’s Federation Council Approves Law Allowing Extrajudicial Blocking of Online Tobacco Sales
Russia’s Federation Council Approves Law Allowing Extrajudicial Blocking of Online Tobacco Sales
Russia’s Federation Council has approved legislation allowing authorities to block websites offering online sales of tobacco, nicotine-containing products, heated tobacco devices and hookahs without a court order.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JUUL Files ITC Complaint over Vaporizer Device Infringement
JUUL Files ITC Complaint over Vaporizer Device Infringement
The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted a Section 337 investigation following a complaint filed by JUUL Labs, Inc. and VMR Products LLC. The complaint alleges that certain vaporizer devices, cartridges and related components infringe two U.S. patents. The investigation covers importation, sale for importation and post-importation sales in the United States, with the complainants seeking a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai