From 1 September 2025:
- Individuals caught possessing, using or purchasing e-vaporizers will face higher penalties, and recalcitrant users may be required to undergo rehabilitation.
- Etomidate and its analogues will be classified as Class C controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 (MDA) for a period of six months, pending the Ministry of Health’s introduction of a more fit-for-purpose legislation. With this change, individuals who import, sell or distribute e-vaporizers containing etomidate will face prosecution under the MDA and significantly harsher penalties than those currently in place. Those found using etomidate e-vaporizers or who test positive for etomidate will no longer be just subject to fines — they may also face rehabilitation, treatment, mandatory supervision and detention.
We provide below further details with respect to the enforcement measures for foreign nationals — specifically visitors on short-term visit passes and immigration pass holders.
Details
Foreign nationals found in possession of e-vaporizers will have their devices seized and be issued a Notice of Composition (NOC) of SGD 500 for offenders under 18 years old, and SGD 700 for adults. Repeat offenders will face more severe consequences. Short-term visit pass holders who re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore upon departure. Immigration pass holders — including, but not limited to, holders of Employment Passes, S Passes, Work Permits, Student’s Passes, Long-Term Visit Passes or Dependant’s Passes — may also have their passes revoked upon a third offence and be deported and permanently barred from re-entering Singapore.
Foreign nationals found in possession of, using, or testing positive for etomidate may have their passes or immigration facilities revoked. They may also face deportation and be permanently barred from re-entering Singapore. Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Singapore government has taken a firm stance against vaping. Recent enforcement actions echo the strict measures the Singapore government took against foreign nationals who did not comply with the relevant measures during the COVID pandemic. In those cases, the noncompliant foreign nationals had their passes cancelled, were deported, and were barred from re-entering Singapore. To avoid potential operational issues, employers are advised to take the following steps:
- Remind all employees (foreign or otherwise) in Singapore that vaping is illegal in Singapore and that serious disciplinary actions may be meted out if they are caught vaping. For foreign employees working in Singapore, their employment is unlikely to continue if their work pass is cancelled.
- Remind all travelers to Singapore that vaping is illegal to prevent situations where they may be deported and barred from permanently re-entering the country.
- Establish anonymous reporting channels for any observed or suspected vaping-related activities to mitigate potential liability and reputational damage.
Employers must ensure that their local and foreign employees, as well as foreign counterparts who frequently travel to Singapore, are well-informed about vaping regulations to avoid any operational disruptions or reputational risks.
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Leong Eng Poh, Senior Paralegal, has contributed to this legal update.
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