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Health Sciences Authority
Press Releases

HSA Seized More than $2 Million Worth of Electronic Vaporisers and Components - Largest Seizure to Date

Audiences

Consumer

Product type

Tobacco control

25 October 2021

This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.

On 11 October 2021, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) conducted an operation and seized a total of $2,260,825 worth of e-vaporisers and related components, which are prohibited in Singapore. Three subjects are currently assisting HSA in the investigation.

Largest haul of e-vaporisers to date

2        Acting on a tip-off, HSA inspected a storage facility in Boon Lay and found a large amount of e-vaporisers, and related products in the facility. A total of 10,057 assorted e-vaporisers, 48,822 assorted pods (e-vaporiser components) and 187 e-liquids were seized. This successful operation has disrupted the operations of an illegal e-vaporisers supply chain.

3         This is the largest seizure haul of tobacco products by HSA, in terms of the volume and street value of e-vaporisers, estimated to be more than $2 million dollars.  Please refer to the Annex for photos of the items seized.

Penalties for such offences in Singapore

4         HSA would like to remind the public that the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act prohibits the import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of imitation tobacco products. These include shisha tobacco, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco such as Gutkha, Khaini, Zarda, electronic vaporisers and their accessories. Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence. All prohibited tobacco items will be seized and confiscated.

Consumer advisory

5          The purchase, use and possession of e-vaporisers is prohibited. Information pertaining to prohibited tobacco products in Singapore is available on the HSA website and more details about the harms of e-vaporisers can be found in this HealthHub article.

6          Members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers can submit a report conveniently using the online form at www.go.gov.sg/reporttobaccooffences.  Alternatively, they can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours (9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday).

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
25 OCTOBER 2021

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