Singapore Steps Up Enforcement Against E-cigarette Usage
Singapore plans to intensify its crackdown on the use of e-cigarettes, according to The Straits Times.
In a joint statement in December 2023, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Ministry of Health announced plans to increase enforcement and educational efforts to prevent the widespread use of e-cigarettes in Singapore.
Singapore banned the use of e-cigarettes in 2018. Those caught purchasing, possessing, or using vape devices in Singapore can be fined up to 2000 Singapore dollars (approximately 1484.69 US dollars). First-time offenders who import, distribute, sell, or offer for sale vaporizers and their components can face fines of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars, imprisonment for 6 months, or both.
Authorities encourage citizens to provide information to the tobacco control department regarding the illegal possession, use, purchase, import, distribution, sale, or solicitation of e-cigarettes.
Despite the risks, e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, with consumers purchasing them through online and overseas suppliers. In 2022, a total of 4,916 people violated Singapore's smoking ban, a significant increase from 1,266 in 2020 and 4,697 in 2021. In December 2023 alone, authorities reported 1,656 cases related to e-cigarettes.
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