SINGAPORE LATEST ADVISORY on VAPING

STB COMMUNICATION WITH TOURISM INDUSTRY REGARDING SINGAPORE’S WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO TACKLE VAPING
16 September 2025
Following the recent announcement of intensified efforts by the Government to combat vaping in Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board would like to share some additional information with key stakeholders, specifically regarding tourists.
Background – Policy Rationale and Context
1. Due to the significant public health and safety concerns, Singapore is taking a strong stance against e-vaporisers and is further intensifying efforts to combat vaping in Singapore, especially against the emerging trend of e-vaporisers containing harmful substances.
2. E-vaporisers contain toxic substances and nicotine, which is highly addictive. The situation has become even more serious, with e-vaporisers becoming a delivery vehicle for even more harmful substances like etomidate and controlled drugs, with serious psychiatric and physical effects.
3. The enhanced enforcement is part of our commitment to a drug-free Singapore and the protection of both residents and visitors.
Penalties
4. Visitors who are found in possession of e-vaporisers will have their e-vaporisers seized and be issued a Notice of Composition (NOC). First-time offenders will be issued an NOC of $500 (for offenders under 18 years old) and $700 (for adults). Repeat offenders will face more severe consequences, and tourists who re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore upon departure. Additionally, visitors caught possessing or using etomidate e-vaporisers or who test positive for etomidate will be banned from re-entering Singapore upon departure.
5. It is an offence to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993. Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence.
6. Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers will face much stiffer penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. Importers are liable for between 3 and 20 years’ imprisonment and 5 and 15 strokes of the cane; sellers and distributors are liable for between 2 and 10 years’ imprisonment and 2 and 5 strokes of cane. Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence.

What You Can Do
7. Enforcement efforts will be island-wide, and hotels, attractions and other businesses catering to tourists (“tourism businesses”) will not be exempted from enforcement operations.
8. Tourism businesses play an important role in supporting regulatory compliance. We encourage hotels, attractions, MICE companies, tour operators and other tourism stakeholders to provide clear information about the enhanced regulations for vaping through guest communications, welcome materials, booking confirmations, and on-site signage.
9. The following statement may be included in your communication materials if required:

The purchase, possession or use of e-vaporisers, including e-vaporiser products, is illegal in Singapore, and offenders will face penalties including composition fines or prosecution. Additionally, visitors caught purchasing, possessing, or using e-vaporisers laced with drugs such as etomidate (“K-pods”) may be refused entry or banned from re-entry to Singapore. Visitors are strongly advised against bringing these items into the country. For more information, please refer to https://www.gov.sg/stopvaping.

Reporting
10. Should there be instances of individuals seen vaping on your premises or at your event(s), stakeholders are highly encouraged to:

there be instances of individuals seen vaping on your premises or at your event(s), stakeholders are highly encouraged to:
a. Call the HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037, which will be operational daily, including weekend and public holidays, from 9am to 9pm.
OR
b. Submit information through HSA’s new online reporting form: www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
11. If any individual is showing signs suggesting etomidate abuse, stakeholders are highly encouraged to:
a. Report to HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037.
b. Maintain a safe distance and do not attempt to confront the individual directly.
c. Call SCDF at 995 if the individual requires any medical attention.
d. Call SPF at 999 immediately if the individual:
i. Becomes verbally abusive or threatening towards staff or other members of public,
ii. Displays violent behaviours or makes threatening gestures, or
iii. Refuses to leave the premises when asked and creates a public disturbance
12. In addition, from 1 September 2025, hotel-keepers are required under the Hotels Licensing Regulations not to knowingly permit any abuse of e-vaporisers laced with controlled drugs such as etomidate to take place within the hotel and without delay notify the Police of any such abuse taking place within the hotel or of any such e-vaporisers being brought into or left in the hotel.
13. To facilitate the investigation and enforcement process, the following details can be provided via the reporting channels:
a. Details of suspected users, sellers or distributors of e-vaporisers and/or their components
b. Clear photographs or videos showing the offender’s face where possible
c. Location of the incident
d. Date and time of the incident
e. Any additional relevant information
14. Singapore’s commitment to public safety enhances our appeal as a trusted destination. Given the health risks of e-vaporisers and more e-vaporisers being found laced with harmful substances such as etomidate, Singapore has stepped up its enforcement against e-vaporisers. The importance of public safety is of utmost priority that supports Singapore’s position as a premier tourist destination.

Resources
Here are some resources which you & your members may find helpful:
1. MOH/MHA press release
2. Information on vaping – https://www.gov.sg/stopvaping
3. Report vaping to HSA – www.go.gov.sg/reportvape