Stop Vaping - Higher Penalties for Vaping Offences
Vaping is illegal in Singapore. Many of these vapes are laced with addictive and harmful substances like etomidate. This is a public health threat.
Last updated 11 October 2025
Overview
Photo credits: Health Sciences Authority
Government agencies have been conducting stepped up enforcement against the use of e-vaporisers. From 1 September 2025, etomidate and its analogues will be classified as Class C controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) for six months.
Individuals caught possessing, using or purchasing e-vaporisers or etomidate e-vaporisers will face higher penalties and may be required to undergo rehabilitation, treatment, mandatory supervision and detention.
Those who import, sell or distribute etomidate e-vaporisers will face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane.
Higher Penalties for E-vaporiser Users and Etomidate Abusers
Vaping carries fines of up to $2,000 and rehabilitation
Vaping offences will carry heavier penalties
Penalties for foreigners caught vaping
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Vaping carries fines of up to $2,000 and rehabilitation | Vaping offences will carry heavier penalties | Penalties for foreigners caught vaping |
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Importers, Sellers and Distributors
Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers will face much stiffer penalties under the MDA:
a) Importers are liable for between 3 and 20 years’ imprisonment and 5 and 15 strokes of the cane.
b) Sellers and distributors are liable for between 2 and 10 years’ imprisonment and 2 and 5 strokes of the cane.
Uniformed Services
Home Team personnel found in possession of or using e-vaporisers, including etomidate e-vaporisers, will face strict disciplinary actions, on top of the national framework, including demotion or dismissal for Regular officers, and fines and demotions or detention for National Servicemen.
SAF personnel will be dealt with separately under military law. Punishments range from fines to detention in SAF Detention Barracks, and SAF regulars may be discharged from service. These SAF personnel will also undergo a mandatory rehabilitation programme.
Educational Institutions
Use of e-vaporisers, not just etomidate abuse, are serious offences in schools and IHLs and those caught will be reported to the authorities.
Students will face stepped-up school or institution-based disciplinary measures, on top of the national framework.
For students in schools, disciplinary measures include detention, suspension and/or caning (for boys), conduct grade adjustment and rehabilitative measures (e.g., counselling); recalcitrant offenders will face harsher measures.
For students in IHLs, disciplinary measures include withdrawal of privileges such as leadership opportunities, overseas exchange and/or scholarships, eviction from hostel for university students, fines and/or community service order. Recalcitrant offenders and e-vaporiser traffickers will face suspension or dismissal.
Foreigners
Foreigners who visit or live in Singapore must abide by our laws. Foreigners who are found in possession of e-vaporisers will have their e-vaporisers seized and be issued a Notice of Composition.
Repeat offenders will face more severe consequences. Short-Term Visit Pass holders who re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore upon departure.
Those on a long-term pass or immigration facility, such as Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, Student’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Dependant’s Pass, may also have their pass or immigration facility revoked on a third offence, and be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore thereafter.
Foreigners caught possessing or using etomidate e-vaporisers or who test positive for etomidate may have their pass or immigration facility revoked and be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.
Any appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.