Smoking in Singapore
In Singapore, cigarettes are allowed with some restrictions. Tobacco products including cigarettes can be legally sold, used, and imported for trade (with an import license), but online purchases and sales through vending machines are not permitted. There is a comprehensive ban on all forms of tobacco advertising. Health warnings on their packaging are required, the minimum legal age for their sales is 21 years, and smoking is subject to legal restrictions in public places. The excise value on cigarettes is 59.72%, and the total taxation rate is 66.26%. Statisitics show that there were approximately 709,000 current adult smokers in Singapore in 2024, which represent a current smoking prevalence of 13.9%, including 22% among males and 5.2% among females. Smoking led to approximately 1,954 deaths in Singapore in 2021, comprising 1,583 deaths among males and 372 deaths among females. In other words, tobacco smoking accounted for approximately 8.23% of all deaths in the country in 2021, including 12.28% of all male deaths and 3.42% of all female deaths.
Read articles from Singapore
April 01, 2026 by filtermag.org
New Threats of Prison and Caning: Singapore’s “Totalitarian” Vape Ban
Singapore has implemented stringent laws against vaping, leading with severe penalties including long prison sentences and caning. The new Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act broadens the ban on vapes, penalizing possession, sale, and smuggling. The legislation includes harsh punishments for devices containing specified substances. Penalties for personal possession and selling vapes have significantly increased. Advocates fear a spread of prohibition policies in the region. Despite evidence supporting vaping as a smoking cessation tool, Singapore maintains strict regulations. Critics argue that such measures are totalitarian and disregard scientific research, potentially impacting public health negatively.
February 23, 2026 by bbc.com
Inside Singapore’s war on vapes
Singapore has launched a new crackdown on vapes, eight years after officially banning the product, aligning its efforts with other countries that are tightening regulations on e-cigarettes. The move comes amid growing concern over a rise in teenage vaping, particularly involving so-called k-pods, which are e-cigarettes laced with etomidate, an anaesthetic normally used in hospitals. Authorities have introduced stricter penalties to address the issue, including fines, mandatory rehabilitation, and even caning for those found supplying k-pods.
January 19, 2026 by bbc.com
Singapore is cracking down on public enemy number one
Singapore is cracking down on e-cigarettes like vapes and K-pods, banning them since 2018 to combat drug-laced products. Severe penalties now include fines, caning, and jail time. Customs officers are vigilant, finding hidden vapes in various vehicles at checkpoints. An extensive public health campaign warns of vaping dangers, with a hotline for reporting offenders. The government aims to prevent a rise in drug usage, particularly targeting youths. While the strict measures have support, some criticize the ban as excessive, believing adults should choose for themselves.
December 09, 2025 by vietnamplus.vn
Singapore takes tough measures against e-cigarettes
A 16-year-old Singaporean is the first etomidate abuser admitted to a Singaporean rehab center following its classification as a controlled drug. Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs and Health Sciences Authority reported his admission for a two-month program after three etomidate-related offenses. The rehab includes psychology-based programs, family support, and religious counseling. Additionally, a 15-year-old Myanmar national had her visit pass revoked for possessing an etomidate e-vaporizer. This is the first foreigner case under Singapore's anti-vaping laws, where possessing etomidate can lead to deportation and a ban from re-entry.
September 15, 2025 by straitstimes.com
Malaysian state assemblyman warns vape smugglers of strict laws in Johor, Singapore
Over 15,000 vapes and components were seized at land crossings in June and July. Johor authorities warn Malaysians against smuggling vapes into Singapore due to strict laws in both countries. Syndicates use social media to sell vapes and entice locals, especially youth, with large sums of money. The Johor government supports a nationwide vape ban to empower enforcement agencies. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad plans to present a Cabinet Memorandum on the ban by year-end. Recent seizures include 7,400 vape products at Woodlands Checkpoint and 7,680 vape pods at the Second Link crossing. Authorities urge vigilance and highlight the serious consequences of breaking the law in Singapore.
August 14, 2025 by lowyinstitute.org
AI-Driven Tobacco Control in ASEAN Requires Unified Data Standards
Aligning the diverse digital infrastructure across member states offers a chance for effective AI deployment to help the region’s 120 million smokers.
July 16, 2025 by straitstimes.com
Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA
Health Sciences Authority (HSA) removed over 600 Telegram groups selling vapes to Singaporeans. More than 6,800 online vape listings were removed, with double the listings taken down in 2023. HSA actively enforces the ban on vape sales and advertisements online and offline. The agency intensified operations, collaborated with authorities, and increased monitoring efforts. The Health Promotion Board's I Quit program helped over 116,800 participants quit smoking and vaping. Vaping poses health risks, including heart and lung diseases, especially among young users. Vapes contain harmful substances like etomidate, which can lead to severe health issues when inhaled.
November 01, 2024 by worldvapersalliance.com
Back to the (Vaping) Future
Despite extensive research showing vaping as less harmful and effective in quitting smoking, the Singaporean Ministry of Health maintains outdated anti-vaping arguments from 2013. The Ministry questions the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, despite evidence supporting their success. Recent studies have debunked claims of vaping as a gateway to smoking, showing youth smoking rates decreasing as vaping rises. With over a decade of evidence supporting vaping's benefits, it's time for policies to reflect reality over unfounded fears. Singapore should reevaluate its stance on vaping and even consider revisiting its ban on chewing gum.
April 15, 2024 by straitstimes.com
Vaping among youth in Singapore: The real damage it is doing to their bodies
Vaping-related respiratory issues are a concern, with patients often not disclosing their vaping history to doctors. Cases are not systematically tracked in hospitals, hindering treatment. Singapore has seen vaping-related breathing problems, requiring specialized treatments like lung washing. Globally, vaping's popularity has surged, especially among teenagers and young adults. Despite claims of being a healthier alternative, the World Health Organization urges treating e-cigarettes like tobacco and banning flavors.
January 18, 2024 by channelnewsasia.com
Vaping clouds efforts by cessation clinics to help smokers quit for good
Mr Dandiar Rosli used to burn through a pack of cigarettes a day. In an effort to kick the habit a few years ago, he turned to electronic vapourisers, commonly known as vapes, believing they were a healthier choice that would wean him off cigarettes. Two months into vaping, however, he started waking up in the middle of the night with coughing fits that produced yellowish-green phlegm. Mr Dandiar, who was 34 back then, was also constantly breathless and panting even while sitting or lying down.
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