Singapore hikes vape penalties: users face up to S$10,000; importers up to 9 years

Key Points

• Singapore Parliament passed amendments that sharply raise maximum penalties for vaping-related offences
• Possession and use of vapes: maximum fine lifted to S$10,000 (about US$7,800) from S$2,000
• Importing vapes: up to 9 years’ jail and S$300,000 fine (about US$234,000); selling/supplying: up to 6 years and S$200,000 (about US$156,000)
• A new “Specified Psychoactive Substances” category will cover etomidate abuse via vaporisers; etomidate will move under the new framework when it takes effect on May 1
• Warehouse/storage owners must exercise due care to prevent prohibited products being stored; nightlife venues must act when patrons are caught with vapes

2Firsts, March 9, 2026

According to CNA, Singapore’s Parliament unanimously passed the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill on March 6, renaming the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act to the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act to reflect expanded powers against vaping and emerging nicotine products.

Under the amended law, possession, purchase and use of vaporisers will carry a maximum fine of S$10,000 (about US$7,800), up from S$2,000. Importing vapes will be met with significantly tougher penalties, including mandatory custodial sentences of up to nine years and fines of up to S$300,000 (about US$234,000). Sellers and suppliers face up to six years’ jail and fines of up to S$200,000 (about US$156,000). Penalties for imitation tobacco products were also increased.

The legislation introduces a new category of Specified Psychoactive Substances (SPS) to address substances such as etomidate when abused through devices like vaporisers. Etomidate will be removed from the Misuse of Drugs Act when the new law takes effect on May 1, and will instead be regulated under the SPS framework, with penalties that include imprisonment and caning depending on the offence.

The amendments also expand obligations for premises owners and nightlife operators. Owners and occupiers of warehouses and storage units must exercise due care to prevent prohibited products from being stored on their premises, while nightclubs, bars and pubs are required to take action when patrons are found possessing or using vapes.

Image Source: CNA