Is Vaping Illegal in Singapore?

The use of e-cigarettes and other vaporisers – commonly known as “vaping” – has become increasingly popular in many countries and is often marketed as a healthier alternative to conventional cigarettes.

However, whether vaping is an effective smoking cessation tool remains controversial. The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently maintained that there is insufficient evidence to recommend e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid and has cautioned against their use due to potential health risks.

In Singapore, the position is clear: vaping remains illegal.

Vaping is prohibited under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act

The Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA), which came into force on 1 May 2026, replaces and amends the former Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA).

Under the TVCA, it is an offence to purchase, possess or use a vaporiser in Singapore.

The prohibition applies broadly to products including e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-pipes, e-cigars and other devices that:

• resemble, or are designed to resemble, tobacco products;
• are capable of being smoked;
• may be used to mimic the act of smoking; or
• are packaged in a manner resembling tobacco products.

Under the TVCA, a person who purchases, possesses or uses a vaporiser may now be fined up to S$10,000, a substantial increase from the previous maximum fine of S$2,000.

Importing and selling vapes are serious offences

The TVCA also prohibits the importation, distribution, sale and supply of vaporisers.

This means that buying vapes online and arranging for them to be shipped into Singapore remains illegal, even if they are intended for personal use.

The penalties have also been significantly increased under the new legislation.

• Persons who sell or supply prohibited vaporisers may face fines of up to S$200,000 and imprisonment of up to 6 years.
• Persons who import or smuggle vaporisers into Singapore may face fines of up to S$300,000 and imprisonment of up to 9 years.

These enhanced penalties reflect Singapore’s strengthened enforcement efforts against the illegal vape trade.

Drug-laced vape products

One of the key developments under the amended TVCA is the introduction of offences relating to Specific Psychoactive Substances (SPS).

SPS refers to substances that produce psychoactive effects and are abused, or are likely to be abused, through tobacco products, vaporisers or imitation tobacco products.

Etomidate, which has commonly been detected in so-called “K-pods”, is one example of an SPS.

Where vape products contain prohibited psychoactive substances or controlled drugs, offenders may also be liable under other legislation, including the Misuse of Drugs Act or the Poisons Act, depending on the substance involved. These offences may carry significantly heavier penalties than ordinary vaping offences.

Enforcement measures

The TVCA also provides for stronger enforcement powers and tougher penalties for offences involving young persons.

In particular, the law imposes severe penalties on adults who recruit or involve young persons in the supply or smuggling of prohibited vape products or SPS.

The legislation also introduces new offences relating to the possession, storage and supply of SPS products, as well as the organisation of gatherings involving such substances.

These changes reflect the Government’s increasing concern over the growing use of drug-laced vape products, particularly among youths.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) continues to take active enforcement action against vaping-related offences, including operations targeting the sale, importation and use of prohibited vaporisers.

Members of the public should avoid purchasing, possessing or using vaporisers and should properly discard any prohibited devices in accordance with HSA’s guidance.

Singapore maintains one of the strictest anti-vaping regimes in the region. Under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, vaping remains illegal, and the penalties have been significantly increased following the 2026 legislative amendments.

Individuals caught purchasing, possessing or using vapes may now face fines of up to S$10,000, while those involved in importing, supplying or smuggling prohibited vaporisers face substantially heavier fines and imprisonment.

You can also read more about Singapore’s anti-vaping laws here.