Stop Vaping - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Cigarettes were legal and widely used for many decades, before their harms were known and are unfortunately deeply entrenched in many societies, including Singapore.

• To counter the harms of cigarettes, the Government has adopted a stringent regulatory framework for cigarettes. This includes high tobacco taxes, restrictions on advertising, graphic health warnings on packaging and smoking bans in public places, aimed at reducing smoking rates. These measures have been relatively effective, as seen in declining smoking prevalence in Singapore over the years.

• In contrast, vaporisers are a relatively new product, and the Government has the opportunity to prevent these from becoming entrenched the same way as traditional cigarettes. Singapore is also not unique in banning these products, about 34 countries ban sales of vaporisers globally^[1].

• The ban aims to pre-emptively stop these new harmful and addictive products from entering the market, and prevent a new set of associated health issues, especially given the growing body of evidence that suggests that they are not without harm and e-vaporisers are not safer than cigarettes.

• A study by HSA on the commonly found vaporisers in Singapore last year found that the nicotine consumed from one vaporiser can be equivalent to about three to four cigarette packs.

^[1] WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023: protect people from tobacco smoke. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240077164).

• Singapore takes a harm elimination stance on emerging and imitation tobacco products to protect our population from the known and unknown health risks of these products. The importation, sale, distribution for sale, possession, use and purchase of such products, including vaporisers, are prohibited. 

• Vaporisers contain a range of toxic substances and nicotine, which is highly addictive, particularly for youths. There is accumulating evidence on the longer-term harms of vaporisers. The evidence on vaporisers as a smoking cessation aid is not strong, with concerns of continued longer-term usage of vaporisers even after quitting cigarette smoking and dual usage of vaporisers and cigarettes among those who failed to quit cigarette smoking.

• As the etomidate situation was deemed urgent in 2025, etomidate was temporarily listed under the MDA on 1 Sep 2025 to enhance the legislative powers available for enforcement and rehabilitation while MOH reviewed our legislation.

• The Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA) which will come into effect on 1 May 2026, will provide MOH and HSA with the necessary powers to enforce against “Specified Psychoactive Substances” (SPS), which are substances or products specified in a new Schedule, being substances and products that can cause a psychoactive effect when consumed and are abused or likely to be abused by using a tobacco product, vaporiser, or imitation tobacco product. Etomidate and its analogues will be listed in this new Schedule.

• As the TVCA will be used to deal with etomidate and its analogues from 1 May 2026, etomidate and its analogues will be delisted from the MDA on the same day.

• Since 1 September 2025, MOH has been leveraging three existing legislations to implement the enhanced enforcement framework to curb vaping and etomidate abuse. These legislations are the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA), Poisons Act, and the Misuse of Drugs Act (when etomidate is listed as Class C controlled drug).

• The TCASA has been the primary legislation used to ban vaporisers. It now needs to be enhanced in recognition that vaporisers have become a delivery device for the abuse of etomidate and potentially, other psychoactive substances in the future. MOH is amending the TCASA to directly target the issue and strengthen levers against vaporisers and other existing prohibited products under the TCASA. At the same time, the necessary legal levers from the other legislation will be consolidated under the TCASA, to allow MOH to deal with the new landscape.

• Specified psychoactive substances under the TVCA refer to the specific substance or product listed in the Schedule under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA). To be listed, the substance or product needs to (a) have the capacity of having a psychoactive effect on a person if consumed, and (b) be abused or is likely to be abused via tobacco products, vaporisers and imitation tobacco products.

• With effect from 1 May 2026, the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA) will be renamed to the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA). It will consolidate the necessary powers and allow Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to continue implementing the current enforcement framework and feature strengthened levers that reference those in the MDA. The TVCA will also empower MOH and HSA to future-proof against evolving trends, while maintaining a strong stance against vaping and etomidate abuse.

• MOH continues to take a multi-pronged approach to curb the illicit sale and use of vaporisers. HSA works closely with agencies such as the Singapore Police Force, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, National Parks Board and National Environment Agency to enforce against vaporisers, while CNB and HSA work together on the investigations of offenders who use vaporisers to consume controlled drugs.

• Preventive efforts are also in place. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Ministry of Education (MOE) work together to raise awareness about the harms of vaping, including vaping of harmful substances, and encourage our youths to lead a vape-free lifestyle. These efforts complement CNB’s preventive drug education effort, which aims to raise awareness of the harms of drugs.

• At the borders, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) adopts a multi-pronged approach in the enforcement against vaporisers. Our measures include pre-arrival risk assessment, ground profiling and detection, as well as working closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as HSA.

• ICA has also intensified checks at the air, land and sea checkpoints against the smuggling of vaporisers ​as part of the heightened Whole-of-Government enforcement efforts.

• Yes, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that vapes are harmful to health and not safer than regular cigarettes.

• In fact, the nicotine consumed from 1 vape pod is equivalent to about 3 to 4 cigarette packs.

• Nicotine can cause harmful side effects, which include decreased appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, nausea, and even diarrhoea in extreme cases. It can also impact brain development in young people, affecting their ability to manage attention and learning, mood and impulse control.

• Studies show that vaping generates toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer and increase the risk of heart and lung disorders. For example, Vitamin E acetate found in some vapes is strongly linked to lung injury, such as pneumothorax (collapsed lungs).

• Emissions can also pose risks to bystanders. Bystanders may experience irritation of the respiratory tract as a result of exposure to substances like propylene glycol and glycerol found in fine particulate matter. Breathing in particulate matter can result in increased risks of developing heart, lung, and other harmful diseases, worsening of existing illnesses, and shortened life expectancy

• Moreover, e-vaporisers are now being used as delivery vehicles for other harmful substances, as evidenced by the etomidate issue.

• You can find out more information to beat the mistruths of vaping here: Beat the Mistruths

• Adverse effects of etomidate include serious psychiatric effects like suicidal behaviour, and other physical effects such as confusion, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled movements, and disruption of vital body functions, for example, irregular heart rhythms, abnormal blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and hormone imbalances that can be fatal in severe cases.

• The rehabilitation programmes will remain. 

• Second-time vaporiser offenders will attend mandatory community-based rehabilitation under HPB. This is a three-month programme, consisting of individual counselling sessions.

• First-time and second-time etomidate vaporiser offenders will attend mandatory community-based rehabilitation under the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Social Service Agencies (SSAs), for three to six months. The programme consists of various types of individual and group counselling sessions, tailored to the clinical risk of the abuser. 

  • Those who are under 21 years of age will undergo rehabilitation under the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Youth Enhanced Supervision scheme, which is tailored to their developmental stage and risk profile. 

• Etomidate vaporiser offenders caught for the third time or more will be admitted to and detained at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) for institutional treatment and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation programmes would include the Psychology-based Correctional Programme (PCP), family programmes, structured pro-social support programmes, and religious counselling. Those who are under 16 years of age will not be sent to the DRC but instead, they will be placed under regular testing for 12 months. 

• The rehabilitative approach is designed to balance deterrence and enforcement with treatment for vaporiser and etomidate vaporiser users, so that they can quit their addiction and maintain a vaporiser-free lifestyle in the long run. These users are typically of a younger profile.

  • While rehabilitation is a priority, those who are repeatedly caught will be treated more seriously. For example, third-time vaporiser users will be prosecuted under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, and the penalties have also been significantly increased; third-time etomidate vaporiser users will be detained in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

• MOH has partnered with the Institute of Mental Health and SSAs such as WE CARE Community Services, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and Fei Yue Community Services to provide rehabilitation services for etomidate vaporiser offenders.

• The Youth Enhanced Supervision scheme for those under 21 years old is provided by the Integrated Service Providers which are SSAs appointed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (i.e. SHINE, Singapore Children’s Society and Allkin).

• Youths aged below 21 years old are placed on the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Youth Enhanced Supervision Scheme (YESS). YESS places additional emphasis on family involvement, with more sessions conducted together with youths’ parents or caregivers. This reflects the crucial role families play as a support system in preventing relapse and sustaining long-term rehabilitation.

• Those who require support or advice on maintaining a vaporiser-free life or have started vaping again, can contact HPB’S QuitLine at 1800 438 2000.

• Those who have relapsed using etomidate vaporisers can seek help from the provider where they had completed their rehabilitation at previously, or any of the following providers:

  • Institute of Mental Health

  • WE CARE Community Services

  • Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association

  • Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities

  • Fei Yue Community Services

• MOH recognises that many vaporiser users are young and may have picked up vaping unwittingly. That is why preventive education is important. The QuitVape programme remains available for those who have picked up vaping and voluntarily step forward to seek help for quitting.

• The QuitVape programme is designed to support individuals who voluntarily seek help to overcome their dependence on vaping. The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Social Service Agencies (SSAs) offers rehabilitation for those who voluntarily seek help to overcome etomidate vaping. The public can seek help for smoking and vaping cessation from the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB)’s I Quit Programme, if they are not using etomidate vaporisers.

• For those who have been caught flouting the law, the Notice of Composition and fine upon prosecution is a form of financial penalty meted out to offenders. There is an established process for appeals which parents may apply to.

• On top of financial penalties, the priority is also to ensure that those who require rehabilitation will receive the necessary support. Repeat regular vaporiser users and all etomidate vaporiser users who are caught will continue to be subject to mandatory rehabilitation programmes to support them to quit.

• Rehabilitation programmes for youths under the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Youth Enhanced Supervision Scheme (for first and second-time etomidate vaporiser offenders) include family sessions, to reflect the crucial role parents and other family members play as a support system in preventing relapses and sustaining long-term rehabilitation.

• Parents can also refer to the Families for Life website for conversation tips to initiate an open conversation with their child on vaping and etomidate use, to encourage their child to seek treatment voluntarily. Tips are also available on HPB’s ParentHub website and Parenting for Wellness website.

• MOE takes a firm stand against vaping. When students are caught using or in possession of e-vaporisers, the prohibited product will be confiscated and offenders are reported to HSA and issued a Notice of Composition (NOC) (including first time under-18 offenders). Schools will also keep parents informed.

• For students caught vaping, in addition to the penalty imposed by HSA, schools and IHLs will continue to mete out disciplinary measures through their respective disciplinary frameworks, which have been aligned with the stricter national posture against vaping. There are stipulated baseline disciplinary measures for student offenders, and harsher measures for recalcitrant students and student e-vaporiser traffickers. Schools and IHLs may also implement stricter measures where warranted and have the autonomy to add other consequences based on their assessment of the case.

• School-based disciplinary measures include detention, suspension, and/or caning for boys. IHL-based disciplinary measures may include issuance of a warning letter, withdrawal of privileges (e.g. leadership opportunities, overseas exchange, and/or scholarships), eviction from hostels (for university students), fines and/or community service order. Recalcitrant offenders may face suspension or dismissal.

• Schools and IHLs’ disciplinary measures are paired with counselling to help students learn the consequences of their inappropriate actions and poor choices and take responsibility for their decisions. Students in schools caught vaping for the first time will be referred to HPB's QuitLine for cessation counselling. Those who are recalcitrant or are caught vaping etomidate will also be required by HSA to attend rehabilitation and/or placed on mandatory supervision.

• Beyond enforcement, our schools and IHLs will continue with preventive education to reinforce anti-vaping messages and educate students about the harmful effects of illegal substances that may be found in vapes. In schools, students are taught to recognise impulsive and addictive behaviours and are equipped with skills for self-control and managing negative peer influences.

• Students are encouraged to look out for peers struggling with vaping and urge them to seek help from trusted adults for timely intervention and assistance. It is not about getting anyone in trouble – but making sure their friends get the help they need.

• The Government has significantly ramped up comprehensive anti-vaping messaging across multiple platforms to inform the public about the dangers of vaping and etomidate vaporisers. 

• Public education efforts have been rolled out on digital display panels islandwide, free-to-air TV, radio, mainstream newspapers, digital, social and out-of-home platforms. There are also ongoing collaborations with online content partners. 

• A dedicated anti-vaping microsite has also been launched, at gov.sg/quitvape. The microsite serves as a one-stop portal consolidating all key vaping-related resources in one place. Members of the public can access educational content, download anti-vaping materials, and find information on available support services for those who wish to quit

• HPB will continue its ongoing education on the risks of vaping, i.e health harms and illegalities of vaping, and encourage our youths to lead a nicotine-free lifestyle. In its recent efforts, it pushed out a series of social content featuring subject matter experts including a doctor, HSA's lab director, IMH's Deputy Head of National Addictions Management Service, and I Quit counsellor and programme lead. The series addresses vaping's health risks, toxic chemical content, peer pressure management, withdrawals and the science behind addiction. This expert-led content provides evidence-based information to help individuals make informed decisions to remain vape-free and share practical support for those looking to quit.

• Prior to this, HPB has also launched a public communications campaign in June 2025, specifically to reach out to youths and young adults aged 18-35. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of vaping’s illegality and health harms and encourage our youths and young adults to see past the seemingly “attractive” facade and recognise the real, harmful impact of vaping. This included advertisements at multiple youth-frequented touchpoints such as bus stops, buses, MRT stations, cinemas and digital display panels, alongside targeted social media, digital advertising and online content platforms.

• Public education remains a priority in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). HPB works with MOE and IHLs to incorporate key messages into the curriculum to dispel common misconceptions about vaping and smoking and equip youth with knowledge and life skills to refuse vaporiser and cigarette offers. Programme delivery includes:

  • Interactive programmes delivered across primary, secondary schools and IHLs

  • Resources provided to educators to support discussions about the harms of vaping and smoking with their students