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February 3, 2018

Vapers In Singapore Are Now Criminals

As of Feb. 1, anyone vaping in Singapore is a criminal. The Southeast Asian country had already banned sales of e-cigarettes, but now it’s going after the buyers too.

Use or possession of “emerging or imitation tobacco products” is subject to fines of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars (about $1,500 U.S.). Importers or sellers of vapes, shisha, or smokeless tobacco are subject to fines as high as 10,000 Singapore dollars, and six months in jail. Repeat offenders can receive double those penalties under the vape ban law.

The new laws are the first phase of changes to the country’s Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. The amendments were passed by the Singapore Parliament last year.

The public was advised by the health ministry to discard any prohibited products. Cigarettes, of course, remain legal. The age for buying cigarettes is being increased from 18 to 21 as part of the Tobacco Act revision, but that’s happening slowly over three years.

Like falling dominoes, Asian countries are restricting, taxing, or actually banning consumer access to vaping products. Just this week, Malaysian health authorities raided hundreds of vape shops and seized all stock of e-liquid containing nicotine.

Some countries, like Taiwan and India, are primarily responding to pressure from Western-led tobacco control agencies like the World Health Organization. Others, like Thailand and Indonesia, fear the loss of lucrative cigarette tax revenue. There is little recognition of the harm reduction potential of vaping for smokers.

Singapore is a wealthy and well-educated country. The island nation of 5.6 million lies between Indonesia and Malaysia. It is a financial center, and boasts the third highest gross domestic product per capita in the world. At 15 percent, its smoking rate is about the same as those of the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

The inclusion of a ban on e-cigs in the Tobacco Act was the subject of some debate in Parliament last November, but as usual in countries with strong tobacco control institutions, prohibition won the day. And, also as usual, smokers will be the ones to pay the price.

Smokers created vaping without help from the tobacco industry or anti-smoking crusaders, and I believe vapers have the right to continue innovating to help themselves. My goal is to provide clear, honest information about the challenges vaping faces from lawmakers, regulators, and brokers of disinformation. I’m a member of the CASAA board, but my opinions aren’t necessarily CASAA’s, and vice versa. You can find me on Twitter @whycherrywhy
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balling
balling
5 years ago

So to all vapers in the world. Do NOT use Singapore as a hub when travelling S-E Asia anymore.

Mitch
Mitch
2 years ago
Reply to  balling

I’m traveling to Singapore next month, and am a huge vaper. Do i now have to bring Cigarettes’ into country with me? Imagine they are expensive in Singapore

Janssen Cheah
Janssen Cheah
5 years ago
Reply to  Jim McDonald

i have no problem vaping in Thailand and recently Taiwan….new rules set up..maybe i am not sure….I am from Malaysia…vaping here is still ok in public for now..

balling
balling
5 years ago
Reply to  Jim McDonald

The safest place for a vaper is the UK.

Mohammed Shakil
Mohammed Shakil
5 years ago

Far too many adverts cant read the articles ver annoying

Mohammed Shakil
Mohammed Shakil
5 years ago
Reply to  Jim McDonald

There is one on the left it hides the text .then another one pop ups at the bottom. I enjoy you articles
This spoils it

Jeremy Mann
Staff
Jeremy Mann
5 years ago

Are you on mobile or desktop? We apologize for the inconvenience.

Mohammed Shakil
Mohammed Shakil
5 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy Mann

Mobile and tablet

Anon
Anon
4 years ago

Just asking, but its possible to make a homemade vaping device right?