{"id":1091159,"date":"2026-01-18T01:22:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T17:22:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/irblaw.com.sg\/?p=1091159"},"modified":"2026-10-30T13:47:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T05:47:58","slug":"vape-laws-in-singapore-enforcement-and-penalties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/irblaw.com.sg\/vape-laws-in-singapore-enforcement-and-penalties\/","title":{"rendered":"Vape Laws in Singapore: Enforcement and Penalties"},"content":{"rendered":"

After classifying etomidate e-vaporisers as Class C controlled substances in September 2025, the government ran a wide-ranging enforcement operation around all 12 institutes of higher learning (IHL) in Singapore. During the operation, the authorities checked all locations within and around IHLs, checking all possible areas, including toilets and stairways, and seized 19 vapes and related components, fining the offenders on the spot.<\/p>\n

In addition to fines, students will face disciplinary action by their schools, while repeat offenders will have to go through mandatory counselling.<\/p>\n

Singapore’s Zero-Tolerance Approach to Vaping<\/h2>\n

In February 2018, Singapore adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards vaping by prohibiting purchase, possession, and use of imitation tobacco products by introducing changes to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act<\/a> (TCASA).<\/p>\n

In 2025, the government ramped up its efforts to tackle vaping, particularly etomidate vapes, commonly known as Kpods. During the press conference held in August 2025, the Health Minister of Singapore noted that smokers picked up vaping<\/a>, thinking it’s not as harmful as cigarettes and then wandered into substance abuse. Following these statements, the amendments to the Misuse\u202fof\u202fDrugs\u202f Act\u202f1973\u202f(MDA)<\/a> classified etomidate and its analogues as Class\u202fC controlled drugs for six months, pending the introduction of new regulations.<\/p>\n

The government adopted a broad posture to enforce the ban, authorising officers across multiple agencies to take enforcement action. The nationwide effort is participated in by almost 700 officers from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) as well as representatives of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), National Environment Agency, National Park Board and the Gambling Regulatory Authority.<\/p>\n

Vapes vs Cigarettes in Singapore<\/h2>\n

The government acknowledges the harm from both cigarettes and vapes. At the same time, cigarettes became legal and deeply entrenched in Singapore long before their harm became known. That said, the government adopted a strict regulatory framework for cigarettes, including high taxes, advertising restrictions, and a ban on smoking in public places, enforced under Singapore’s public health law.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, vapes are new products, and the e-cigarette laws in Singapore aim to prevent them from becoming as entrenched as cigarettes to avoid health consequences and substance abuse. Notably, according to a recent study by the HSA, e-vaporisers are not safer than cigarettes, with one disposable vape equivalent to about three to four cigarette packs.<\/p>\n

Vape Fines in Singapore<\/h2>\n

Following the government’s stance on vaping, offenders face a range of escalating penalties:<\/p>\n