Singapore’s parliament has passed sweeping new anti-vaping legislation that dramatically increases penalties for vaping-related offences, including prison sentences of up to 20 years in some cases.
The Tobacco and Vaporizers Control Act, approved on 6 March, strengthens the city-state’s already strict rules on nicotine products and replaces parts of the earlier Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
The law introduces tougher enforcement measures against the possession, sale and smuggling of vaping products, while also targeting a specific type of vape device known locally as a “Kpod.”
Kpods are reported to be vape devices sometimes mixed with the anaesthetic agent etomidate, which authorities say has been linked to serious health incidents.
Severe penalties for involving minors
Under the new legislation, adults who involve young people or vulnerable individuals in smuggling or supplying Kpods could face up to 20 years in prison and up to 15 strokes of the cane. Adults who possess a Kpod but fail to prevent minors from using it could face jail terms of up to 10 years.
The law also imposes new responsibilities on businesses. Entertainment venues such as clubs and bars must prevent customers from using vapes and require them to discard the devices if necessary. Establishments are also allowed to deny entry to, or remove, patrons who refuse to comply.
Fines and jail terms sharply increased
Penalties across the vaping supply chain have been significantly strengthened.
Under the new law:
- Users may face fines of up to SGD$10,000 (about €6,800).
- Sellers can be fined up to SGD$200,000 (about €136,000) and jailed for up to six years.
- Smugglers may face fines of up to SGD$300,000 (about €204,000) and prison terms of up to nine years.
Authorities say the changes represent a sharp escalation in enforcement. Compared with the previous framework, fines for users have increased five-fold, penalties for sellers have increased 20-fold, and sanctions for smugglers have increased 30-fold.
Previously, vape users faced a maximum fine of SGD$2,000 (about €1,360), while those distributing or selling vaping products could receive up to six months in prison and a fine of up to SGD$10,000 (about €6,800).
Vapes banned since 2018
Singapore has one of the world’s strictest regulatory approaches to vaping.
The sale, possession and import of vaping products have been banned since 2018, when authorities moved to prohibit vapes and other vapour products entirely.
Despite the ban, authorities say vaping has continued to in public spaces and through illegal supply networks.
Reports in Singaporean media have linked some recent incidents involving Kpods to seizures and psychotic episodes, prompting renewed political pressure to tighten enforcement.
In response, the government recently extended the classification of etomidate as a Class C controlled drug until 30 April to allow the new law to take effect.
The legislation also places etomidate and similar substances under a new category called specific psychoactive substances (SPS). Offences involving these substances will carry penalties similar to those under existing drug laws.
Broader definition of tobacco products
The new legislation also expands how tobacco products are defined in Singaporean law. Under the updated framework, the definition now includes substances designed to produce “nicotine-like effects.”
Authorities say the change is intended to prevent companies from circumventing tobacco regulations by introducing new nicotine or nicotine-like products that fall outside existing definitions.
Singapore has previously introduced some of the strictest tobacco controls globally, including plain packaging rules, high tobacco taxes and extensive smoke-free zones.
The new Tobacco and Vaporizers Control Act further strengthens that regulatory framework as authorities attempt to curb vaping and related products.
While enforcement agencies say the tougher penalties are designed to deter illegal trade and protect young people, the legislation also places Singapore among the countries with the most severe criminal penalties for vaping-related offences.
