Singapore Seizes Over 8,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes, Including 'Unplug' Brand

Nov.13.2024

Singapore's ICA Intercepts 8,000 E-Cigarettes, Seizing Products from Brands Including "Unplug".

A Malaysian-registered truck attempting to smuggle over 8,000 e-cigarette products into Singapore was intercepted by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), according to a media report.

On October 18, an observant ICA officer at the Tuas checkpoint noticed irregularities in the scan images of a truck and ordered a thorough inspection. During the search, officers discovered 8,040 e-cigarette products, including brands like "Unplug," concealed inside flattened cardboard boxes.

The case has been handed over to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation.

Under Singapore’s Tobacco Control Act, the import, distribution, or sale of e-cigarettes is illegal. First-time offenders can face fines of up to SGD 10,000, six months in prison, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to SGD 20,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. Possession, use, or purchase of e-cigarettes can result in fines of up to SGD 2,000.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and HSA, between July and September 2024, 3,840 individuals were arrested for possessing or using e-cigarettes. In total, more than 9,300 people were arrested in the first three quarters of 2024, surpassing the total of 7,838 arrests in 2022.

References:

[1] 罗厘藏逾8000件电子烟图入境在大士关卡被识破

Also Read:

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

[2] Singapore Man Arrested for Illegal E-Cigarette Operation Worth $240M

[3] ICA successfully busts two smuggling cases at Singapore checkpoint

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

[5] Singapore Cracks Down on e-cigarette Usage: Over 5000 Caught

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

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

#Law enforcement #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Singapore

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

Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform prohibiting the production, import, export, transport, distribution, sale, and advertising of vapes and e-cigarettes nationwide. The law does not ban personal use of such products. Backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the amendment to the General Health Law imposes penalties of one to eight years in prison and fines between 11,314 and 226,280 pesos (approximately USD 621–12,430).

Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea’s National Assembly Passes Law Classifying E-Cigarettes as Tobacco Products with Full Equivalent Regulation

South Korea’s National Assembly recently passed a comprehensive package of 79 bills that, among other measures, formally classifies liquid vapes — e-cigarette products using nicotine-containing e-liquids — as tobacco products. These products will now be subject to the same taxation, sales restrictions and advertising controls as traditional cigarettes, and the vaping industry in South Korea is expected to face significant adjustments in compliance costs, market access and business strategy.

Dec.03

Malaysian Customs Seizes Over US$3.4 Million in E-Cigarettes and Vape Liquids Shipped from China and Transported Overland

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kedah seized a large consignment of e-cigarette devices and vape liquids originating from China, with a total value exceeding RM16 million (about US$3.4 million). The suspect, a man in his 40s, failed to produce the required import permit from the Health Ministry, and the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.

Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Spain’s Competition Authority Questions Disposable Vape Ban

Spain’s National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has issued an opinion on the draft reform of the Tobacco Law proposed by the Ministry of Health, urging reconsideration of several measures. These include a proposed ban on disposable e-cigarettes and the full alignment of vaping products with traditional tobacco regulation.