Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers

Key Takeaways

• The Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill was introduced on Feb. 12
• The bill proposes renaming the law to the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act
• Proposed maximum penalties: users up to S$10,000; sellers up to S$200,000 and six years’ jail; smugglers up to S$300,000 and nine years’ jail
• Current maxima cited: users up to S$2,000; distributors/importers/sellers up to six months’ jail and S$10,000 fine (double for repeat offenders)
• The bill proposes listing etomidate and analogues as specified psychoactive substances, with a broader scope for treatment and rehabilitation measures

2Firsts, February 28, 2026

According to The Straits Times, Singapore’s government has proposed new anti-vape laws that would substantially increase maximum penalties for vaping-related offences. 

The Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill was introduced in Parliament on Feb. 12 and proposes significant changes to the current Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, including renaming it the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act.

If passed, the bill would raise maximum penalties so that vape users could face fines of up to S$10,000 (about US$7,800 at S$1 = US$0.78). Sellers could be fined up to S$200,000 (about US$156,000) and jailed for up to six years, while smugglers could be fined up to S$300,000 (about US$234,000) and jailed for up to nine years. 

The text also sets out the current maximum penalties: users face up to S$2,000 (about US$1,560), and anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to S$10,000 (about US$7,800), with maximum penalties doubled for repeat offenders.

The bill also proposes introducing a new definition of specified psychoactive substances and listing the anaesthetic agent etomidate and its analogues under that framework. The text states this would broaden the scope of the Act and provide for the treatment and rehabilitation of those who abuse such substances. 

Etomidate has been listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act as a Class C drug since Sept. 1, 2025, amid an increase in etomidate-laced vapes known as Kpods. The text sets out existing penalties tied to that listing and notes that the temporary listing was extended to April 30, 2026 while amendments are drafted.

Image source: The Straits Times