Harms of vaping
E-vaporisers are known to contain harmful chemicals such as fine particulate matter (PM), cancer-causing agents like carbonyls and volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Additionally, dangerous heavy metals like tin, lead and nickel have also been found in these devices, making them inherently harmful to health. Despite being packaged in colourful and sleek forms with sweet and fruity flavours to mask their health risks, the primary function of e-vaporisers is to dispense nicotine, a highly addictive substance.
Nicotine consumption can lead to acute side effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and in severe cases, sweating, nausea, and diarrhoea. Apart from health risks, nicotine exposure during adolescence can have permanent effects on impulse control, negatively impact the developing brain's ability to learn and focus and lead to mood disorders.
Find out why you should not vape and read more about the harms of e-vaporisers.
Multipronged approach
The Ministry of Health (MOH), Health Promotion Board (HPB), Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and Ministry of Education (MOE) adopt a multipronged approach comprising legislation, public education, counselling and enforcement to curb the supply and demand for e-vaporisers, as well as encouraging positive social support from friends and family to tackle youth vaping.
MOH and HSA also work with MOE, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), National Environment Agency (NEA) and National Parks Board (NParks) to step up enforcement on multiple fronts, including in the community, schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), at the checkpoints, and online.
To further deter youths from vaping, from March 2024 onwards, all offenders (including first-time offenders in schools and IHLs) who are caught for purchase, use and possession offences for e-vaporisers are referred to HSA and subjected to a fine of up to $2,000.
HSA monitors local online retail sites, social media platforms and messaging apps for any suspected peddling of such prohibited products and their refill liquids and cartridges. We also work with related e-commerce sites like Instagram, Facebook, Carousell to remove such listings promptly upon detection.
View the latest enforcement-related news here.
Penalties
Enhanced Penalties for E-vaporiser and Etomidate Use
HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch administers and enforces the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA). From 1 February 2018, the purchase, possession, and use of emerging and imitation tobacco products, which include e-vaporisers, have been prohibited. This is in addition to earlier prohibitions on the importation, sale, and distribution of these products.
From 1 September 2025, etomidate and its analogues will be classified as Class C controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 (MDA) for six months, pending introduction of more fit-for-purpose legislation.
Penalty for Possession, Use and Purchase of E-vaporisers:
- First-time offenders under 18 years old: Composition fine of $500
- First-time offenders aged 18 years and above: Composition fine of $700
- Second-time offenders: Mandatory three-month rehabilitation programme.
- Third or subsequent offences: Prosecution under TCASA with fines up to $2,000
Penalty for Possession, Use and Purchase of Etomidate E-vaporisers:
- First-time offenders under 18 years old: Composition fine of $500 plus mandatory rehabilitation programme (up to six months)
- First-time offenders aged 18 years and above: Composition fine of $700 plus mandatory rehabilitation programme (up to six months)
- Second-time offenders: Mandatory six-month supervision with drug testing and rehabilitation
- Third or subsequent offences (16 years and above): Admission to Drug Rehabilitation Centre to undergo rehabilitation, and subsequently undergo 12 months of drug testing and supervision
- Third or subsequent offences (under 16 years): Mandatory 12-month community supervision
For Suppliers/Traffickers of Etomidate:
- Importers: 3 to 20 years' imprisonment and 5 to 15 strokes of the cane
- Sellers and distributors: 2 to 10 years' imprisonment and 2 to 5 strokes of the cane
Offenders who do not complete rehabilitation programmes will be prosecuted in court.