E-vaporiser crackdown: Singapore authorities to increase checks at checkpoints, public hotspots, schools
Passengers may be screened at arrival halls, and those who fail to declare will be fined; schools to report vaping offenders to HSA
SINGAPORE — There will be more checks for e-vaporisers and vapes conducted by the authorities at Singapore's air, land and sea checkpoints in the coming months, starting with Changi Airport.
Incoming passengers may be screened for e-vaporisers and their components at arrival halls, and those found with e-vaporisers or their components will be fined, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a joint media release on Tuesday (19 December).
Passengers carrying e-vaporisers are required to go through the Red Channel, allocated for declaring items, to dispose of the prohibited items. Those who declare and surrender the items at the Red Channel will avoid the penalties, said MOH and HSA.
Anyone found possessing e-vaporisers without declaration to checkpoint officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) may be fined. ICA will continue to conduct security checks and work with the relevant authorities to detect and deter smuggling attempts.
Increased checks at public hotspots, NEA officers can now take action against offenders
More checks will also be conducted at public hotspots like the central business district, shopping centres, parks and smoking areas, as well as public entertainment outlets like bars and clubs. Offenders will be issued a fine on the spot by the enforcement officers.
As of 1 December, enforcement officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA) have been granted authority to take action against individuals caught using or possessing e-vaporisers.
MOH and HSA are working with the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to improve detection, and remove sales and advertisements of e-vaporisers online.
The authorities are also working with agencies such as the Ministry of Education (MOE), NEA, the National Parks Board and the Singapore Police Force to increase enforcement against the possession and use of e-vaporisers locally.
Students caught vaping to be reported to HSA
Students found using or possessing e-vaporisers will be reported to HSA and undergo "school-based disciplinary actions" which may include suspension or caning for boys, said the authorities. Their parents will also be informed, and the prohibited items will be confiscated.
"Students caught vaping will also be placed on cessation support programmes where counsellors will guide them through their cessation journey to effect long-term behavioural change," said MOH and HSA in their joint media release.
The Health Promotion Board will continue working with MOE to amplify anti-vaping messages in education materials and preventive programmes distributed in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning. It rolled out a digital vape-free campaign this year, and will intensify public education efforts through further campaigns and greater visibility of signages in public areas.
Parents can access resources and relevant information on vaping via Parent Hub.
Continued e-vaporiser purchases on online messaging apps and while overseas
To curb online access of e-vaporisers, HSA is targeting illicit sales of e-vaporisers on social media and messaging platforms. It is also working with ICA to detect and enforce illegal imports of e-vaporisers.
"Despite the ban, the authorities have observed that some users continue to purchase e-vaporisers online, from messaging applications such as Telegram, or when they go overseas," said MOH and HSA.
E-vaporisers are illegal in Singapore. The possession, use or purchase of e-vaporisers carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Those convicted of importing, distributing, selling or offering e-vaporisers and their components for sale can be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to six months.
Second or subsequent offences can incur a fine of up to $20,000 and/or a jail term of up to 12 months. All prohibited tobacco items will be seized and confiscated.
Information on prohibited tobacco products in Singapore can be found on HSA's website. Members of the public who have information on the illegal possession, use, purchase, import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch (6684-2036 or 6684-2037) during office hours from 9am to 5.30pm, from Monday to Friday.
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