Vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes and vaporisers, is popular overseas and often promoted as a healthier alternative to smoking. However, its effectiveness as a nicotine replacement method is debated. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not support vaping as a legitimate cessation tool due to insufficient scientific evidence.
In Singapore, the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA) strictly prohibits the possession, purchase, use, and import of vaporisers, including e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and e-cigars. This applies to any device that resembles tobacco products or mimics smoking behavior. Violators face fines of up to $2,000 for possession and use, and up to $10,000 and/or 6 months’ jail for importation. Repeat import offenders can be fined up to $20,000 and/or jailed for 12 months.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) enforces these laws. In 2022, it removed over 2,600 online listings related to e-vaporisers and apprehended nearly 5,000 individuals for their possession or use.