HSA Extends Hotline Operating Hours and Introduces Reporting Platform for E-vaporiser Offences

Even as the government has intensified surveillance and enforcement measures against e-vaporisers, members of the public continue to play a crucial role in our fight against illegal e-vaporiser activities. In order to step up on our surveillance and enforcement, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will be enhancing our reporting channels. From 21 July 2025, the hotline service to report vaping-related offences will be expanded to operate seven days a week with extended hours from 9am to 9pm. HSA will also be launching a new online reporting platform, making it more convenient for the public to report illegal e-vaporiser activities.

2        Since 2024, HSA has observed a significant increase in public feedback on vaping-related offences. HSA received more than 3,000 reports in 2024 and more than 2,500 reports in the first half of 2025. In addition, we noted a considerable increase in the number of social media postings showing others vaping in the public. Through these public feedback and social media postings, HSA was able to use them as an additional source of surveillance data to intensify our enforcement activities.

3        Recently, through public feedback and social media posts, HSA caught an alleged distributor of a large haul of e-vaporisers, and four persons who were involved in three separate vaping-related incidents. In one case involving two 16-year-old boys, the e-vaporiser pods seized from the home of one of the boys were tested to contain etomidate, a potent substance that can cause addiction and physical dependence. Another two men, shown vaping in two separate social media videos, were identified and caught.

Case 1: HSA caught 21-year-old man for distributing e-vaporisers

4        On 11 July 2025, HSA acted swiftly on public feedback and caught a 21-year-old man who was allegedly distributing e-vaporisers and components in Bishan and Ubi. HSA officers conducted raids and seized almost three tonnes of e-vaporisers. He was charged in court on 14 July 2025 and the case was adjourned to 11 Aug 2025.

Case 2: HSA raided homes of two 16-year-old boys, one found to have used etomidate

5        On 22 May 2025, HSA raided the homes of two 16-year-old boys who were allegedly vaping in a private-hire car they were travelling in along the Bukit Timah Expressway on 18 May 2025. The driver of the car had reported the incident to the Traffic Police, who seized two e-vaporisers from one of the boys. HSA officers conducted follow-up checks and seized 54 e-vaporiser pods and three e-vaporisers from the residence of the same boy caught with e-vaporisers in the car. Some of the pods tested by HSA were found to contain etomidate. No e-vaporisers or related components were found at the other boy’s home. Both boys are assisting HSA in investigations.

Case 3: HSA raided home of 24-year-old man who vaped at Sim Lim Square

6        In another incident, HSA identified a 24-year-old man who was vaping in a lift at Sim Lim Square and conducted a raid at his residence on 16 May 2025. His act was captured in a video posted on social media on 30 April 2025. HSA officers seized two e-vaporisers from his residence. The man is assisting HSA in investigations.

Case 4: HSA raided home of 58-year-old man holding e-vaporiser in public

7        On 22 May 2025, HSA raided the residence of a 58-year-old man who was filmed sitting on the road and holding an e-vaporiser. The man was unable to walk on his own and shaking uncontrollably in the video that was posted online on 19 May 2025. He needed the assistance of passers-by to get off the road. HSA did not find any e-vaporisers during the raid although the man admitted to vaping. HSA has issued a composition fine to him.

Extended hotline hours and new platform for reporting of vaping offences

8        With effect from 21 July 2025, those who have information on the illegal advertisement, import, distribution, sale or possession of e-vaporisers can contact HSA to support our enforcement efforts through two convenient channels:

-       Submit information through our new online reporting form: www.go.gov.sg/reportvape or scan the QR code:

 

-       Call the Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037, which will be operational daily, including weekends and public holidays, from 9am to 9pm

9        To facilitate HSA to investigate and take appropriate enforcement actions against any offenders, those with information on vaping activities can provide the following details to either of these two reporting channels:

• Details of suspected e-vaporiser users, sellers or distributors
• Clear photographs or videos showing the offender's face if available (for those  seen vaping)
• Location of the incident
• Date and time of the incident
• Any additional relevant information

10       HSA looks into all vaping-related reports. Seized e-vaporisers and related components suspected to contain illegal substances including etomidate and controlled drugs will be tested. Offenders found to be dealing with or in possession of e-vaporisers with etomidate will face higher penalties under the Poisons Act. Those found with controlled drugs will be referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Penalties for e-vaporiser offences in Singapore

11       The purchase, possession and use of e-vaporisers are prohibited in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. This includes purchases made through the Internet and from overseas. HSA takes a serious view of these offences and will take stern action against those who violate the law. Offenders can be fined up to $2,000.

12       It is also an offence to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components. 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. HSA would like to remind those caught vaping to promptly pay their fines (Notice of Composition). Those who fail to do so before the due date of the Notices will face harsher consequences if prosecuted in Court.

13       Those found possessing or using pods containing etomidate are also liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to 2 years and/or fine up to $10,000 under the Poisons Act.

14       Information about the harms of e-vaporisers is available on the HealthHub website. Smokers who need help with quitting can call the Health Promotion Board’s toll-free Quitline at 1800-438-2000.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
20 JULY 2025

Download PDF version here Published: 20 Jul 2025

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