Singapore has passed tougher laws under the new Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, introducing significantly tougher penalties for vaping-related offences, as the government steps up efforts to curb the growing use of vapes, especially among young people.
The legislative changes will increase fines and jail terms for those who use, sell, import or smuggle vapes, while also introducing stronger enforcement powers and harsher punishment for those who involve youths in vape-related activities.
Below is a snapshot of what the new law entails, covering:
- What the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act is
- How the new law significantly increases the penalties for vaping-related offences
- The harsher penalties for vaping-related offences involving young people
- The new responsibilities for businesses and entertainment venues
- The new responsibilities for owners and occupiers of commercial and residential premises
What is the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act?
The Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA) was renamed and amended from the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA). The TVCA, which will take effect from 1 May 2026, aims to toughen enforcement measures against prohibited products such as tobacco products, vaporisers, as well as imitation tobacco products and their components.
Notably, under the TVCA, any product containing ‘Specific Psychoactive Substances’ (SPS) will be prohibited. These refer to substances or products that can cause a psychoactive effect when consumed, and are abused or likely to be abused by using a tobacco product, vaporiser, or imitation tobacco product. Examples would include etomidate, which is used in vape pods (aka K-pods).
The New Law Significantly Increases the Penalties for Vaping-Related Offences
Singapore has banned e-cigarettes and vaping devices since 2018, but enforcement has intensified in recent years due to rising use and concerns over drug-laced vape products (e.g. K-Pods).
Under the newly passed law, the penalties for vaping-related offences will be significantly increased, as follows:
- Users caught purchasing, possessing or using vapes can now face fines of up to S$10,000, up from the previous maximum of S$2,000.
- Sellers or suppliers may face fines of up to S$200,000 and jail terms of up to 6 years.
- Importers or smugglers may be jailed for up to 9 years and fined up to S$300,000.
These changes represent a significant escalation in Singapore’s anti-vaping enforcement, with the aim of deterring both users and those involved in the supply chain.
Harsher Penalties for Vaping-Related Offences Involving Young People
The new law also introduces particularly severe penalties for those who involve youths in vaping-related activities.
Adults who recruit or involve young people in the supply or smuggling of drug-laced vape products may face:
- Up to 20 years’ imprisonment; and
- Up to 15 strokes of the cane.
New offences have also been introduced to protect young persons below 21 years old and children under 16 years of age from SPS products, as well as to address organised gatherings involving SPS products:
- Adults in possession of SPS products who:
- Knowingly or recklessly leave them where children can access them; or
- Do not take reasonable steps to prevent the use of SPS products by young persons, can be jailed for up to 10 years for the first offence, and 2-10 years for repeat offences.
- Adults who involve young or vulnerable persons in importing or supplying SPS products face a jail term of 4-20 years, and 4-15 strokes of the cane.
- In addition, those found guilty of arranging or planning gatherings where SPS products are used or supplied are liable to a jail term of 2-10 years, and up to 5 strokes of the cane.
New Responsibilities for Businesses and Entertainment Venues
The new law also places responsibilities on certain businesses.
For example, entertainment venues, such as discotheques, pubs, bars, lounges and nightclubs, are expected to prevent patrons from vaping on their premises. If customers are found in possession of or using a vape, operators are required to ensure that the devices are discarded immediately and inform the customer that possession or use is an offence. Individuals who refuse or fail to comply can be requested to leave the premises immediately. Notably, anyone who obstructs, abuses or assaults a manager or owner who is performing these duties can be fined up to S$1,000 and/or jailed for up to 6 months.
Owners or operators of these venues may also face a fine of up to S$1,000 for the first conviction, or a fine of up to S$2,000 for the second or subsequent conviction.
New Responsibilities for Owners and Occupiers of Commercial and Residential Premises
Owners and occupiers of commercial as well as residential premises will also be subject to responsibilities to prevent the storage of prohibited products, such as vapes, on their premises.
For commercial premises (e.g. warehouses, retail units, industrial spaces), owners and occupiers can refer to the Handbook on Exercising Due Care for Owners and Occupiers of Commercial Premises in Singapore, which sets out recommended best practices and guidance.
For residential premises that are rented out, the owners and occupiers must take care to ensure that their tenants do not store SPS products in these premises. These would entail them taking steps such as verifying the tenant’s identity and contact details to ensure they are legitimate, and including specific clauses in rental agreements that expressly prohibit the storage of SPS products on the premises.
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Singapore’s stricter anti-vaping laws reflect the country’s broader approach to public health and drug control – strong deterrence through strict regulation and heavy penalties. With fines reaching up to S$10,000 for users and S$300,000 for smugglers, Singapore’s new anti-vaping laws represent one of the toughest regulatory regimes against vaping in the region.
By increasing penalties and expanding enforcement powers, the government hopes to send a clear message that vaping remains illegal and will be treated seriously under the law.
