Electronic cigarettes banned in Singapore

From September 1, devices for heating tobacco products (IQOS and others), as well as electronic cigarettes (weipes), especially “K-pods” type and vapes containing ethomide, have been banned in Singapore, the Foreign Ministry’s press service reports.

Import, sale, storage, and use of electronic cigarettes and tobacco heating devices are strictly prohibited in Singapore. Violation of the rules is punishable by:

• for storage or smoking — a fine of up to 2000 Singapore dollars;
• for sale or import — a fine of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars and/or up to 6 months in prison (in repeated cases — a fine of up to 20,000 Singapore dollars and/or up to 12 months in prison);
• in repeated cases, mandatory rehabilitation and subsequent criminal liability are possible.

Singapore considers “K-pods” vapes as drugs-related devices. Ethomydate is officially classified as a Class S drug. Storage or use is punishable by:

• mandatory observation and rehabilitation program;
• in repeated cases — criminal liability.
• for smuggling — from 3 to 20 years in prison. Also, from 5 to 15 lashes with a whip;
• for sale and distribution — from 2 to 10 years of imprisonment and from 2 to 5 lashes.

The law applies to both Singapore citizens and foreigners. Students and visa holders can also be punished. Violation of the law can lead to arrest and imprisonment. As well as large fines, deportation, and deprivation of the right to re-enter the country. Citizens of Uzbekistan are urged to refrain from importing electronic cigarettes.

Also read: Electronic cigarette ban: fines, prison sentences, nasway, black market. NOVA24 editorial staff cited the history of the draft law and analyzed why it could only make things worse.