Singapore blocks website selling e-cigarettes disguised as stationery

Oct.22.2024

Singapore blocks website selling e-cigarettes disguised as stationery after Malaysia reports fake products resembling popular brands.

Singapore has blocked a website selling e-cigarettes disguised as stationery products, following similar cases reported in Malaysia, according to a report in the Straits Times on 22 October.

The Public Health Malaysia Facebook page, run by a group of public health experts, posted photos on 3 October reminding parents and teachers to be wary of these e-cigarettes, which resemble popular stationery brands such as markers and glue sticks.

On October 21, the media outlet "The Straits Times" discovered that a website selling an e-cigarette resembling a highlighter and capable of delivering to Singapore is inaccessible.

A female spokesperson from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore responded to queries from the media by stating that they have collaborated with the Infocomm Media Development Authority to block access for Singapore residents to the Malaysian website.

The HSA is aware of a trend overseas where users are modifying the appearance of e-cigarettes to resemble everyday stationery items. We are monitoring these e-cigarettes.

The spokeswoman added that from January to September, the HSA removed more than 6,000 illegal e-cigarette-related posts. In addition, HSA is working with e-commerce websites and online platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Carousell to remove such content as soon as it is detected. She also stated that HSA will track any illegal e-cigarette-related activity on social media platforms and messaging apps.

References:

[1] Vapes disguised as stationery emerge in Malaysia; website selling items blocked in Singapore

Also Read:

[1] Malaysian Authorities Urged to Crack Down on E-Cigarette Sales

[2] Strengthening Enforcement of Smoke-Free Zones in Malaysia: Ministry of Health.

[3] ICA Foils Attempt to Smuggle 37,588 E-Cigarettes into Singapore

[4] Singapore Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint

[5] Rising Concerns: E-Cigarette Usage Reported by Singaporean Taxi Drivers

[6] Singapore Health Sciences Authority Cracks Down on E-Cigarette Black Market

[7] Singapore Authorities Seize $3.71 Million Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes

#Asia #Regulation #Singapore #Nicotine-free e-cigarettes

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength

British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.

Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has enacted a nationwide ban on the sale and circulation of e-cigarettes and related vape liquids, following the approval of a new law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The legislation introduces criminal liability for violations, with penalties including fines of 300 to 500 basic calculation units (approximately US$10,300–17,200), corrective labor for up to three years, or imprisonment for up to five years.

Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Al Fakher Partners with U.S. Rapper Snoop Dogg to Launch New Hookah Flavors

According to Business Wire, AIR Limited has partnered with Snoop Dogg to develop new hookah flavors for its flagship brand Al Fakher. The products will be released on November 3, 2025, across international and German online platforms, expanding the brand’s flavor portfolio.

Nov.21

62.5% of Vapers Still Use Disposables; 82% for Ages 25–34, Survey Finds

Vape retailer Haypp reports that 62.5% of vapers still use disposable vapes, rising to 82% among those aged 25–34. 35% of disposable users say they are still buying disposables. Black-market purchases reportedly come mainly from local smaller shops (55%) and specialist vape stores (37%), as well as supermarkets, online retailers and car boot sales. 78.5% of respondents are using pre-ban stock, posing safety risks from aging lithium-ion batteries; 14% plan to continue buying disposables,.