On 1 September 2025, Singapore introduced sweeping changes to its legal framework on vaping and vaping-related offences. While vaping has been illegal in Singapore since 2018, the new changes reflect the government’s decision to treat vaping, and especially drug-laced vaping, not simply as a public-health or tobacco matter, but as a serious law enforcement and drug control issue.
Read on to learn more about the new laws and measures that have been put in place to clamp down on the so-called vaping crisis in Singapore.
What are the Key Elements of Singapore’s New Vaping Framework?
The new framework reflects the tougher stance against vaping and related offences:
1. Re-classification of etomidate and harsher penalties for drug-laced vapes
Etomidate, the anaesthetic agent found in some vapes known as K-pods, is now classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). It was previously classified as a controlled substance under the Poisons Act, and those caught possessing, using or trafficking pods containing Etomidate faced a maximum fine of $10,000 and a prison term of 2 years.
With this re-classification, the importation, exportation, manufacture, distribution, sale, supply (or attempt thereof), possession or consumption of Etomidate (or Etomidate-containing vapes) is now treated as a serious drug offence.
Suppliers, traffickers or importers of Etomidate-laced vapes will also face significantly increased penalties. Importers face a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years’ jail and 5 strokes of the cane, with the maximum penalty being 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes. Sellers or distributors face at least 2 years’ imprisonment and 2 strokes of the cane, with a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and 5 strokes.
2. Increased penalties and rehabilitation for vape users
Previously, vape users who were under 18 years old faced a S$300 fine, while offenders aged 18 years old and above faced a S$500 fine. The penalties have now been enhanced as follows:
- First-time offenders: Adult offenders aged 18 years and above can be fined S$700; while offenders below 18 years of age will face a fine of $500.
- Second-time offenders: They will now be required to undergo a mandatory three-month rehabilitation programme consisting of six sessions. Failure to do so will result in prosecution.
- Third and subsequent offences: Offenders will be prosecuted in court under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA) and may face a fine of up to S$2,000.
For those found abusing etomidate-laced vapes, the new framework sets out the following enhanced penalties, including mandatory rehabilitation:
First-time offenders
Those aged below 18 years will be fined S$500, and those above 18 years will be fined S$700. They will also be required to attend rehabilitation for up to 6 months.
Second-time offenders
They will be arrested and investigated under the MDA, with their statement taken and required to undergo a urine test. In addition, they will also be subject to 6 months of mandatory supervision, which includes drug testing and rehabilitation.
Third-time (or more) offenders
Those aged 16 or older will be admitted and detained at a Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) to undergo a rehabilitation programme, with 12 months of follow-up, drug-testing and supervision.
On 27 November 2025, a 16-year-old male Singaporean Etomidate abuser was admitted to a DRC for two months after he was caught for Etomidate-related offences on three occasions. He was reportedly the first Etomidate abuser admitted to a DRC since Etomidate and its analogues were classified as Class C controlled drugs under the new framework.
Offenders under 16 years old will have to undergo mandatory supervision, including drug testing for 12 months.
3. Enforcement: Multi-agency crackdown
The crackdown is being coordinated as a multi-agency effort across various agencies and sectors.
For example, educational institutions have been directed to impose stricter disciplinary measures, including suspension, expulsion (for repeat offenders and traffickers), and loss of leadership privileges, if students are caught vaping.
Public servants caught using, possessing or distributing vapes will also be subject to disciplinary measures, including fines, demotions or dismissal from service. Offenders who are Singapore Armed Forces personnel will also be dealt with under military law, and may face penalties such as fines, detention and mandatory rehabilitation.
Foreign nationals or pass holders found in possession of vapes will also be fined and have their vapes seized, with those found using K-pods or testing positive for Etomidate facing bans and even deportation. For example, on 14 November 2025, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority revoked the long-term visit pass of a 15-year-old Myanmar national after she was found to be in possession of an e-vaporiser pod containing Etomidate during a routine check by police officers. According to the authorities, this is the first case of its kind in Singapore where a foreigner’s long-term immigration facility was revoked due to their possession of an Etomidate e-vaporiser.
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The enhanced vaping framework cements Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance against vaping, while emphasising a whole-of-government, multi-agency approach to tackling the scourge of vaping in our city-state.
If you or your loved one are facing a charge for a vaping-related offence under the new laws, you are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice from a criminal lawyer. An experienced criminal lawyer will be able to explain the charge and the potential penalties, and assess the possible options available to you.
