Singapore Anti-Vape Laws: $300K Fines & Jail Time Proposed

Singapore’s government has introduced a new Bill proposing significantly harsher penalties for vaping offenses. If passed, fines could skyrocket to $10,000 for users, $200,000 for sellers, and $300,000 for smugglers, alongside potential jail terms. The legislation also targets psychoactive substances like etomidate found in “Kpods,” treating vaping increasingly as a serious drug issue.

Key Takeaways:

Users: Fines may increase fivefold to a maximum of $10,000.
Sellers: Face fines up to $200,000 and six years in jail.
Smugglers: Penalties up to $300,000 and nine years imprisonment.
Etomidate: New classification as a psychoactive substance to curb “Kpod” abuse.

The Singaporean Government has confirmed a proposal to drastically increase penalties for vaping-related offenses. This development occurs amidst a rising trend of vape misuse and the emergence of drug-laced products, directly resulting in a legislative push to raise fines by up to 30 times current levels and introduce stricter jail terms.

A Legislative Overhaul: The Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act

Introduced in Parliament on February 12, the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill seeks to rename the current act to the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, reflecting a sharpened focus on electronic devices. The Bill comes just six months after the government announced tougher measures in August 2025, signaling a zero-tolerance approach.

The proposed financial penalties represent a massive escalation compared to current laws:

Offense Type	Current Maximum Penalty	Proposed Maximum Penalty
Possession / Use	$2,000 fine	$10,000 fine
Selling / Distributing	$10,000 fine / 6 months jail	$200,000 fine / 6 years jail
Smuggling / Import	$10,000 fine / 6 months jail	$300,000 fine / 9 years jail

Targeting “Kpods” and Psychoactive Substances

Beyond standard vaping, the Bill specifically targets the abuse of etomidate, an anesthetic agent found in vapes known as “Kpods.” Etomidate can cause seizures, psychosis, and breathing difficulties. Previously listed temporarily as a Class C drug, the new Bill aims to permanently classify it and its analogues as “specified psychoactive substances.”

This classification allows authorities to apply severe penalties—including caning and long-term imprisonment—to those trafficking these substances. Crucially, the law will apply extraterritorially to Singaporeans and permanent residents who commit these offenses overseas.

Treating Vaping as a Drug Issue

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized in his August 2025 National Day Rally speech that the government intends to treat vaping as a drug issue. The concern is not just nicotine addiction but the potential for vapes to become delivery systems for stronger, more dangerous drugs.

With over 3,500 people caught for possession in late 2025 alone, the government is moving to stamp out the habit before it entrenches further. The Bill is set for debate at a later date.

Read more: E-cigarettes Banned at Singapore Airport, Even for Transit Passengers
News reference: New vape laws mooted to raise fines to $10k for users, $200k for sellers, $300k for smugglers

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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.