Singapore to crack down on vaping, treating it as an illegal drug problem

The Singaporean government plans to significantly strengthen measures against vaping. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his National Day address on August 17, 2025, that prison sentences could now be imposed on sellers, while users will be subject to supervision and rehabilitation programs.[1].

Towards tougher legislation on vaping, deemed dangerous

Although vaping has been banned in Singapore since 2018, and under current laws, possession, use, or purchase of e-cigarettes carries a maximum fine of S$2,000 (€1,335), the Health Authority (HSA) seized more than S$41 million (€27 million) worth of illicit vaping devices and associated components between January 2024 and March 2025, compared to just S$95,460 (€64,000) in 2019.

The emergence of products like the Kpod, a variant of e-cigarette containing substances such as etomidate, an anesthetic agent, or ketamine, is of particular concern to authorities.

During the first half of 2025, 28 cases of e-cigarettes containing etomidate were detected, nearly three times more than in 2024. Random testing revealed that nearly a third of the seized devices contained the substance. Medical experts have indicated that inhaling etomidate through vaping can lead to increased anxiety, seizures, and erratic behavior described as "zombie-like." The government wants to prevent the potential emergence of even more powerful and dangerous drugs than these products in the future.

Also, Authorities are considering classifying etomidate as a Class C controlled substance under the Drug Abuse Act (Misuse of Drugs Act), considering it a drug comparable to cocaine. Currently governed by the Poisons Act (Poisons Act), nicotine vaping products only carry a fine of up to 10,000 SGP (€6,674) for users and up to two years in prison for sellers. Once reclassified, prison sentences, supervision measures, and mandatory rehabilitation programs may be imposed. Repeat offenders will face imprisonment, while traffickers will face up to 20 years in prison and flogging.

Prevention and awareness across the country

In addition to strengthening laws, the government is also planning a major awareness campaign on the dangers of vaping, led jointly by the Ministries of the Interior and Health. This initiative will begin in schools, higher education institutions, and during national service. Authorities report a notable increase in cases involving students: between January 2024 and March 2025, approximately 2,600 students were reported to the HSA by their institutions for vaping use, compared to 800 in 2022, 900 in 2023, and 2,000 in 2024.

In addition, to encourage e-cigarette users to dispose of their devices, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has launched the 'Bin the Vape' initiative.[2]People who wish to dispose of their e-cigarettes can do so at one of the red bins located at 23 designated community centers across Singapore.

A CCTV camera is placed in front of the bin to deter theft and tampering. The bin is locked and secured so that e-cigarettes cannot be retrieved once discarded. The HSA also assured the public that it would not seek to identify individuals who discarded their e-cigarettes.

Further announcements regarding these measures will be communicated by the relevant ministries in the coming weeks.

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[1]Ching Shi Jie, NDR2025: Singapore to take nationwide enforcement action against vaping, treat it as drug issue, AsiaOne, published August 17, 2025, accessed August 18, 2025

[2]Hannah Martens, S'pore to take tougher action against vaping & treat it like a 'drug issue', Mothership, published August 17, 2025, accessed August 18, 2025

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