Singapore Vaping Fines: Students Face S$2,000 Penalties

Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority Intensify Efforts to Curb Vaping, Especially Among Youth

Singapore authorities have ramped up their efforts to combat the growing vaping problem in the country, with a particular focus on deterring youth from using electronic vaporisers (e-cigarettes). As part of these measures, students caught vaping could face fines of up to S$2,000, even for first-time offenses, according to a joint press release from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Penalties for Vaping Offenses

The fine, which took effect in March 2024, applies to all individuals caught purchasing, using, or possessing vapes in Singapore, including first-time offenders who are currently studying in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). In addition to the financial penalty, students caught vaping may also face disciplinary action from their respective educational institutions, such as suspension or caning for boys. They will also be required to participate in cessation support programs guided by counselors.

IHLs are considering additional penalties for students caught vaping, such as corrective work orders or mandatory community service. University students found possessing or selling vapes may have their hostel privileges revoked. Cases involving students caught vaping outside of school will be brought to the attention of the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Read more: Singapore Intensifies Vape Enforcement, Fines Tourists Carrying Vapes at Changi Airport

Increasing Vaping Incidents and Seizures

The warning comes amidst a growing vaping problem in Singapore. From January 1 to March 31, 2024, more than 2,200 individuals were caught possessing or using vapes, comprising students, people in public places such as entertainment outlets, and those nabbed at Singapore’s borders. The escalating trend is evident in the year-on-year statistics, with 4,916 individuals caught for vaping offenses in 2022, increasing by 60% to 7,838 in 2023.

Furthermore, HSA made its largest seizure of vape products to date on March 19, 2024, confiscating more than 400,000 vapes and components with a street value of over S$6 million from two warehouse units. In January, a raid on a warehouse unit in Woodlands yielded more than 81,000 vapes and related components valued at over S$1.1 million. In total, authorities seized more than S$7 million worth of vape products in the first quarter of 2024.

Enforcement and Penalties

Schools and IHLs will continue their regular detection and enforcement efforts through internal reporting channels and campus patrols, with universities potentially conducting joint enforcement operations with HSA. In the first quarter of 2024, schools and IHLs referred approximately 250 cases to HSA.

Read more: Singapore Strengthens Joint Enforcement to Curb E-Cigarette Circulation

The Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 makes it illegal to possess, use, or purchase vapes in Singapore. Those who import, distribute, sell, or offer for sale vapes and components face up to six months’ jail and/or a fine of up to S$10,000 for the first offense. MOH plans to review the penalties for vaping offenses to maintain a strong deterrent against them.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.