Mistruth 1 - Vapes are banned in Singapore because they cannot be taxed unlike cigarettes.
Here are the Facts:
Harmful and imitation tobacco products are banned to protect Singapore's population from the dangers of vapes and additional tobacco use. About 1 in 11 Singaporeans are addicted to tobacco products (e.g. cigarettes) 1 , and will need time and support to quit. As such, banning cigarettes, given the existing pool of smokers, will increase the flow of smuggled cigarettes into Singapore and result in black markets for cigarettes. The vaping ban prevents this from occurring with new tobacco products and driving up the overall use of tobacco in our population. Additionally, vapes are harmful. Refer here to more information on the health-related issues associated with vaping: Insert Link to Vaping & Health Article.
Mistruth 2 – I’m not breaking the law if I don’t vape in the open.
That’s NOT what the law states.
Vaping is illegal in Singapore regardless of whether you vape in private or in public, and you will be subjected to penalties. The ban on harmful and imitation tobacco products prohibits the use, import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of:
• harmful tobacco products (e.g. Shisha tobacco, smokeless tobacco, dissolvable tobacco, nicotine/tobacco candies and liquids, oral snuff, nasal snuff and so on)
• imitation tobacco products (e.g. vaporisers such as electronic cigarettes, electronic pipes, electronic cigars and the like2)
Anyone caught owning, using and/or buying e-cigarettes, is liable to a fine not exceeding $2,000.
Mistruth 3 - Even if I bought a vape online, as long as I don’t use it, I’m not breaking the law.
Incorrect!
When you buy and make payment for a vape, it is considered a purchase3, which is also prohibited. The penalty for possessing, using or purchasing vapes is a fine not exceeding $2,000.
Mistruth 4: Although I post vape content on my TikTok and IG Account, I’m not selling vapes and so, I’m not breaking the law.
This wrong perception can land you in deep trouble.
When you post vape content online, it is considered an advertisement.
The penalties for advertising e-cigarettes are4 :
1st Offence:
• Fine not exceeding $10,000
• Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months; or
• Both fine and imprisonment
2nd & subsequent Offences:
• Fine not exceeding $20,000
• Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months; or
• Both fine and imprisonment
Resources for Quitting
If you are looking to quit smoking or vaping, the HPB I Quit Programme focuses on helping smokers and vapers quit their nicotine addiction to achieve a healthier, nicotine-free lifestyle.
Join the I Quit Programme and receive free personalised support tailored to your needs. You can nominate your loved ones as a supporter when you sign up for the programme.
Sources
1 Ministry of Health Singapore. (2022) National Population Health Survey 2022. Ministry of Health Singapore. https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/reports/national-population-health-sxurvey-2022
2 Berry, K. M., Reynolds, L. M., Collins, J. M., Siegel, M. B., Fetterman, J. L., Hamburg, N. M., Bhatnagar, A., Benjamin, E. J., & Stokes, A. (2018). E-cigarette initiation and associated changes in smoking cessation and reduction: the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, 2013–2015. Tobacco Control, tobaccocontrol-2017-054108. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29574448/
3 , 4 Singapore Statutes Online. (1993). Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993. https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/TCASA1993
Credits to Health Promotion Board. Updated as of 31 July 2024 Content Source:
https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/iquit/e-cig/vaping-mistruths#homes