Singapore Raises Vape Penalties with New Tobacco and Vape Control Law
Singapore’s Parliament has passed amendments to raise the maximum fine for personal possession/use of vapes to S$10,000 (approximately US$7,800) and significantly increase the maximum penalties for importing, selling, and supplying vapes. The amendments also strengthen the liability requirements for warehouse owners and nightlife venue operators. The revised law will come into effect on May 1, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore Parliament passed legislation significantly increasing the maximum penalties for possession, use, import, and sale of vapes.
- The maximum fine for vape use and possession has been increased to S$10,000 (approximately US$7,800), a significant increase from S$2,000.
- Importing vapes can result in a maximum sentence of 9 years imprisonment and a fine of S$300,000 (approximately US$234,000), while selling/supplying them can result in a maximum sentence of 6 years imprisonment and a fine of S$200,000 (approximately US$156,000).
- A new category of “Specified Psychoactive Substances (SPS)” has been added.
- Etomidate, which is abused through vapes and other carriers, will be moved to the new framework and is scheduled to be removed from the Misuse of Drugs Act after taking effect on May 1st.
- Warehouse/storage premises owners and occupants must exercise “reasonable care” to prevent the storage of prohibited items.
Parliament Passes Tobacco and Vape Control Amendments
On March 9, 2026, CNA reported that the Singapore Parliament passed the Tobacco (Advertising and Sales Control) (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill, renaming the current Tobacco (Advertising and Sales Control) Act to the Tobacco and Vape Control Act, to strengthen the crackdown on vapes and related new nicotine products.
Significantly Higher Penalties for Vape Possession, Import, and Sales
Following this formal legislative amendment:
- The maximum fine for purchasing, using, and possessing vapes has been increased to S$10,000 (approximately US$7,800), a significant increase from the previous S$2,000 (approximately US$1,560).
- The penalty for importing vapes has been upgraded to a mandatory imprisonment route, with a maximum sentence of nine years and a fine of up to S$300,000 (approximately US$234,000).
- The maximum penalty for selling or supplying vapes has been increased to six years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of S$200,000 (approximately US$156,000).
- Penalties for “simulated tobacco products” have also been increased, with a maximum fine of S$100,000 (approximately US$78,000) and a three-year imprisonment for first-time offenders, and the maximum penalty for repeat offenders can be doubled.
Etomidate Vapes Trigger Stronger Enforcement Measures
Senior Minister of State for Health, Koh Poh Koon, stated during a parliamentary debate that the recent escalation of enforcement was triggered by etomidate vapes (Kpods), but most vape users do not use etomidate. The authorities will increase the overall maximum penalties related to vapes to enhance deterrence.
Official disclosures indicate that over 5,100 people were investigated for vape-related violations in the past six months, with more than one-tenth involving etomidate vapes.
New “Specified Psychoactive Substances” Category Introduced
To address the emerging trend of abusing narcotic/psychoactive substances via vapes and other carriers. The bill introduces the concept of “Specified Psychoactive Substances (SPS),” covering substances that can produce psychoactive effects and may be abused through tobacco products, vapes, or simulated tobacco products.
Etomidate to Move into SPS Framework
- Etomidate will be included in the SPS framework under the new law and will be removed from the Drug Abuse Act (MDA) when the new law takes effect on May 1st.
- Those supplying SPS face a maximum penalty of 2 to 10 years imprisonment and caning.
- Smuggling/importing SPS carries a maximum penalty of 3 to 20 years imprisonment and caning.
- Possession, purchase, or use of SPS can result in a maximum fine of S$20,000 (approximately US$15,600), 10 years imprisonment, or both.
- The new law also clarifies that citizens and permanent residents consuming SPS overseas is illegal.
Warehouse Owners and Nightlife Venues Face New Compliance Responsibilities
The amendments also extend the chain of responsibility to the “venue end.”
Owners or occupants of warehouses, storage units, and other premises must take reasonable measures to prevent prohibited items such as vapes from being stored and distributed within their premises. Possible compliance measures include background checks on tenants, random checks, and explicit prohibition clauses in lease agreements.
Nightclubs, bars, and clubs must also take appropriate action if they discover customers possessing or using vapes. The government stated it will provide practical guidance and establish corresponding legal consequences for threats, insults, or assaults that hinder venues from fulfilling their responsibilities.
