Definition of Smoking
In Singapore, smoking includes inhaling or exhaling smoke from tobacco or similar substances. Holding a lit cigarette or tobacco product also counts as smoking.
Legal Smoking Age
- As of 1 January 2021, the minimum legal age to smoke is 21.
- This was raised from 18 to 21 over several years to reduce smoking among youth.
- Underage smokers may face a fine of up to $300.
Smoking-Prohibited Areas
Smoking is banned in many public places, including:
- Cinemas, swimming pools, clubs, and community centres
- Within 5 metres of schools, universities, and bus stops
- MRT stations, hawker centres, void decks, stairwells, and lift lobbies
- Public parks, gardens, reservoirs, and beaches (from 1 July 2022)
- Airports, hospitals, government buildings, and carparks
- Inside and within 5 metres of public service vehicles and building ventilation areas
- Entire Orchard Road area, except for Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs)
Violators may face a composition fine of up to $500, or up to $1,000 if prosecuted. Littering cigarette butts can attract fines of up to $10,000 for repeat offences.
Where Smoking is Allowed
- Within DSAs (e.g., in some hawker centres, parks, universities, airports)
- At home and inside your car (if smoke doesn’t escape into smoke-free areas)
Illegal Tobacco Products
It is illegal to sell, possess, or use:
- Harmful products like chewing tobacco, dissolvable nicotine, and smokeless cigars
- E-cigarettes and imitation tobacco products
Penalties:
- Up to $10,000 fine and/or 6 months’ jail (first offence)
- Up to $20,000 fine and/or 12 months’ jail (repeat offence)
Contraband Cigarettes
- Cigarettes must be marked “SDPC” and have vertical bars to show duty has been paid.
- Smoking or possessing duty-unpaid cigarettes can lead to a $500 fine (first offence), with higher penalties for repeat offences or larger quantities.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Police and NEA officers can arrest and search suspects without a warrant.
- Offenders may receive:
- Notice to Attend Court
- Composition fine
- Notice to Attend Court
- Failure to pay or attend court can result in a warrant of arrest.
- Obstructing officers or lying to them can result in fines up to $10,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment.
Public Reporting
- Citizens are encouraged to report smokers violating rules.
- Venue managers can ask smokers to leave.
Appealing Fines
- Appeals are allowed but rarely successful.
- Appeals must be backed by valid reasons (e.g., financial hardship, medical condition) and documented evidence.
Bringing Cigarettes into Singapore
- You can bring up to 400 grams of cigarettes if declared to customs.
- No GST relief or duty-free concession for tobacco.
- Failure to declare may incur a fine of $200 per box or 20 sticks.
Over 400 grams requires a Customs Import Permit (business registration needed).