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 19 March 2026
Overview
Photo credits: Health Sciences Authority
The Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA) was passed in Parliament on 6 March 2026. The TVCA will empower the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to maintain our strong stance against vaping and etomidate abuse. It will come into effect from 1 May 2026.
What is the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA)?
To safeguard public health, the TVCA will strengthen enforcement against prohibited products such as:
Tobacco products
Vaporisers
Imitation tobacco products and their components.
Under the TVCA, any product[1] containing “Specified Psychoactive Substances” (SPS) will also be prohibited. From 1 May 2026, etomidate and its analogues will be listed as SPS under the TVCA and delisted as a controlled drug from the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) at the same time.
[1] Tobacco products, vaporisers and imitation tobacco products
Enhanced Penalties and Enforcement Across the Board
Stiff Penalties Remain for SPS Offences
Suppliers: Two to 10 years’ imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane
Importers: Three to 20 years’ imprisonment and five to 15 strokes of the cane
Individuals: Can be fined up to $20,000, or face up to 10 years of imprisonment, or both
Enhanced Penalties for All Prohibited Products
Suppliers: Mandatory imprisonment for up to six years, and a fine of up to $200,000
Importers: Mandatory imprisonment for up to nine years, and a fine of up to $300,000
Individuals: Can be fined up to $10,000
Land/Building Owners and Occupiers
Land/Building owners and occupiers must:
Ensure there are no prohibited products stored in their premises
Tell individuals to stop using and dispose of the vaporiser and other prohibited products and/or leave the premises
Educational Institutions
Use of vaporisers, not just etomidate abuse, are serious offences in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and those caught will be reported to the authorities.
Students will face 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, fines and/or community service order, and eviction from hostel for university students. Recalcitrant offenders and vaporiser traffickers may face suspension or dismissal.
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.
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.
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.
Get Help to Quit Vaping
If you need help to quit vaping, you can contact HPB's QuitLine at 1800 438 2000.
This is free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
Those who voluntarily seek help will not face penalties nor have an offence record. The relevant penalties will be meted out to those who are separately caught for vaping.
You can continue to voluntarily dispose of vaporisers at disposal bins placed at selected locations e.g. border checkpoints and where QuitVape programmes and rehabilitation are provided.