Authorities intensify efforts against vaping, penalizing individuals for online content promoting e-vaporisers.
Singapore’s strict anti-vaping stance has led to the fining of 15 individuals for posting vaping-related content on social media, highlighting the nation’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of e-vaporisers.
Enforcement on Digital Platforms
Between January 2024 and March 2025, Singaporean authorities fined 15 individuals for sharing photos or videos of e-vaporisers on platforms like TikTok and Bigo. This move underscores the nation’s zero-tolerance policy towards vaping and its promotion, even in digital spaces.
Surge in Vaping Offences
The same 15-month period saw over 17,900 individuals caught for possessing or using e-vaporisers, marking a significant increase in such offences. This surge is attributed to intensified, multi-agency enforcement operations.
Significant Seizures and Prosecutions
Authorities seized more than S$41 million worth of e-vaporisers and components, conducting 50 successful operations against large-scale syndicates. Notably, two individuals were sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and fined for their roles in smuggling operations involving over S$5 million worth of e-vaporisers.
Border Control Measures
Collaborative efforts between the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) led to the inspection of over 20,800 travellers, resulting in 101 individuals being caught with e-vaporisers. Additionally, 91 smuggling cases were identified and referred to HSA.
Online Content Regulation
In a bid to curb online promotion of vaping, more than 6,800 listings related to e-vaporisers were removed from e-commerce and social media platforms between January 2024 and March 2025. This figure more than doubles the 3,100 listings removed in 2023, reflecting enhanced monitoring and enforcement.
Educational Initiatives
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) engaged nearly 118,500 students through educational skits and outreach programs, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping. Approximately 2,600 students were referred to HSA for vaping offences during this period. HPB also provided cessation support to close to 1,800 youths and plans to launch a virtual counselling pilot in July 2025.
Singapore’s comprehensive approach to combating vaping—encompassing stringent enforcement, border control, online content regulation, and educational outreach—serves as a model for nations grappling with similar challenges. For neighboring countries like Indonesia, where vaping regulations may differ, Singapore’s measures highlight the importance of cohesive policies and public health initiatives in addressing the complexities of e-vaporiser use and promotion.
Sources: Must Share News (2025), Mothership (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Vaping Laws, E-Vaporiser Ban, Social Media Fines, Health Sciences Authority, Tobacco Control
