ICA Intercepts Two Cases Involving HNB Sticks and Vapes at Changi; 2,400 Heat Sticks and 4 Vapes Seized

Key Points

• Two seizures on the same day: On Sept 6 at Terminal 4, ICA officers stopped a Romanian traveller and later a South Korean work-permit holder, finding ~1,200 HNB sticks and two vapes on each.
• Legal consequences: Possessing/using/purchasing vapes carries a maximum fine of S$2,000. Importing/distributing/selling vapes can lead to fines up to S$10,000 and up to six months’ jail; penalties double for repeat offences.
• Recent enforcement outcomes: From Sept 1–4, officers detected 123 travellers with vapes (including those who voluntarily disposed of them at checkpoint bins) and seized over 1,500 items. Between Aug 18–22, more than 850 vape products were intercepted across land, air, and sea checkpoints.
• Next steps: Both airport cases have been referred to HSA for further investigation.

September 12, 2025 — 2Firsts — According to AsiaOne, ICA said on social media that on the afternoon of Sept 6 at 1:45pm, a Romanian traveller flagged for potential contraband underwent enhanced checks at Changi Terminal 4. Officers found nearly 1,200 HNB sticks and two e-vaporisers in her luggage. HNB sticks are cylindrical tobacco products designed to be heated in a device to release a nicotine- and tobacco-containing aerosol.

Near midnight the same day, officers screened a South Korean female work-permit holder. Although she initially declared she had nothing to report, a thorough inspection uncovered another ~1,200 HNB sticks and two vapes. Both cases have been handed to HSA for follow-up.

ICA reiterated that border security is a crucial pillar of Singapore’s enforcement strategy against e-vaporisers and that it will continue intelligence-led, targeted checks to safeguard the nation’s borders. Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, possession, use, or purchase of vapes can draw fines of up to S$2,000. Those who import, distribute, sell, or offer vapes and related components face up to S$10,000 in fines and six months’ imprisonment, with doubled penalties for subsequent offences.

In a separate update last week, ICA reported detecting 123 vape-related traveller cases from Sept 1–4 (including voluntary disposals at checkpoint bins), seizing over 1,500 vapes and components during that period. Roughly 70% involved short-term visitors, with the remaining 30% comprising Singapore residents. Earlier, from Aug 18–22, ICA intercepted over 850 vape products across multiple checkpoints.

Authorities reminded all inbound travellers that e-vaporisers and related products are strictly regulated in Singapore and should not be brought into, possessed, or used within the country.