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.
The Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA) was passed in parliament on 6 March 2026. The TVCA will empower MOH and HSA to maintain our strong stance against vaping and etomidate abuse and will come into effect on 1 May 2026.
Guidance for Owners and Occupiers on Preventing Storage of Prohibited Tobacco Products
With effect from 1 May 2026, owners and occupiers of land, buildings or places are required to exercise due care to prevent the storage of prohibited tobacco products, such as e-vaporisers and related components, and other imitation tobacco products* in their premises. This is a requirement under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993.
To assist premises owners and occupiers, HSA has provided a guideline of what constitutes “due care”.
Commercial premises
Owners and occupiers of commercial land, buildings or places (e.g. warehouses, retail units, industrial spaces etc.) may refer to the Handbook on Exercising Due Care for Owners and Occupiers of Commercial Premises in Singapore, which sets out recommended best practices to demonstrate due care.
Handbook on Exercising Due Care for Owners and Occupiers of Commercial Premises in Singapore
Residential premises
Owners and occupiers of non-commercial premises (e.g. flats, private residences) will also need to exercise due care to ensure that their tenants do not store prohibited tobacco products in these premises, should their premises be tenanted out. Recommended measures which can be adopted for such premises include:
1. Tenant Verification
Owners should verify the tenant’s identity and contact details before leasing the property to ensure that the tenant is legitimate.
2. Rental Agreement
Rental agreements are recommended to include specific clauses to expressly prohibit storage of prohibited tobacco products on the premises.
Owners can also require tenants to sign declarations affirming that no unlawful or prohibited activities, including the storage of prohibited products, are being conducted on the premises.
3. General Vigilance
Owners and occupiers should remain alert to signs of illegal activity and conduct checks if you receive feedback or you have observed signs of the storage of prohibited tobacco products.
If you encounter difficulties in conducting such checks, for example where a tenant refuses to cooperate, you may contact the Health Sciences Authority for assistance by calling 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 (7.00am to 12.00am daily).
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*Examples of prohibited items include tobacco products (such as cigarettes) which exceed the maximum tar and nicotine limits, heated tobacco products (heat-not-burn products) such as IQOS, shisha tobacco, nicotine pouches, e-vaporisers and their components (e.g. vaporiser pods, e-liquids), and articles, devices, or food products (e.g. toy or confectionery) which are designed to resemble a tobacco product.
Owners and Managers of Public Entertainment Outlets to Take Action Against Vaping on Premises
With effect from 1 May 2026, owners or managers of specified premises (such as discotheques, pubs, bars, lounges, nightclubs and KTV establishments) under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 are legally required to take certain actions against the possession and use vaporisers, imitation tobacco products, heated tobacco products (heat-not-burn products) and other prohibited items^ under TVCA within their premises.
What the owners and operators are required to do:
If an individual is found in possession of prohibited items:
Inform the individual to dispose of the item immediately and inform him/her that possession is an offence. If the individual refuses or fails to comply, request that he/she leave the premises immediately.
If an individual is found using prohibited items:
Inform the individual to stop using and dispose of the item immediately and inform him/her that possession or use is an offence. If the individual refuses, or fails to comply, request that he/she leave the premises immediately.
If the individual refuses to leave:
Contact the Health Sciences Authority via our 24/7 hotline at 6866 3585. Seek assistance from the Police if there are law and order issues. Provide reasonable assistance to the officer in dealing with the situation.
For any other matters relating to vaping management (e.g., advice on appropriate next steps or follow-up actions after the incident), you may contact HSA for assistance by calling 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 (7.00am to 12.00am daily).
Handling complaints:
Investigate complaints lodged by other individuals regarding possession or use of prohibited items. If the complaint is found to be true, take appropriate action as outlined above.
Premises owners or operators who fail to carry out their statutory duties may be liable to a fine of up to $1,000 for the first conviction, or a fine of up to $2,000 for the second or subsequent conviction.
Any obstruction, abuse, or assault against the owner or manager who is performing these duties is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.
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^ Prohibited items include heated tobacco products (heat-not-burn products) such as IQOS, shisha tobacco, nicotine pouches, e-vaporisers and their components (e.g. vaporiser pods, e-liquids), and articles, devices, or food products (e.g. toy or confectionery) which are designed to resemble a tobacco product.