Is Vape Illegal in Singapore? (Updated 2025 Guide)

If you're reading this, you're probably wondering whether vaping is allowed in Singapore — or maybe you're planning to travel here and want to know if you can bring your device. Let’s make things clear:

Yes. Vape is illegal in Singapore.
Not just selling — even owning, using, buying, or bringing a vape into Singapore is against the law.

This article breaks it down in a simple way:
why it’s banned, what penalties exist, how customs check for it, and what people in Singapore are saying about the vape situation.

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Why Is Vape Illegal in Singapore?

Singapore banned vaping mainly due to public health reasons.
The government believes that flavored disposable vapes can easily attract young people.
So the policy is basically: If we remove access completely, we reduce usage.

Official agencies involved:

• MOH (Ministry of Health)
• HSA (Health Sciences Authority)
• Singapore Customs

Their stance is straightforward:

“No vape in Singapore — not for sale, not for personal use.”

This applies to both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes.

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What Exactly Is Illegal?

Here’s a quick, simple breakdown:

So basically:
If a vape is physically inside Singapore → it's illegal.

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Penalties for Vape in Singapore

*Yes, per offense means each transaction can count separately.

So if someone sells to 20 people → penalties multiply.

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Can Tourists Bring Vape Into Singapore?

This is one of the most Googled questions.

Answer: No.

Even if:

• your vape is for “personal use”
• you are only “transiting”
• it is legal in your home country

Once you enter Singapore territory:
→ It becomes illegal.

Airport scanners are trained to identify vape shapes.
Customs officers know exactly where people hide them (luggage corners, shoes, power banks, etc).

If they find it, it will be:

• Seized
• and you can be fined

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Do People Still Vape in Singapore?

Yes — people talk about it a lot online.

But it’s mostly done:

• secretly
• within private groups
• through closed discussions

Common platforms:

• Reddit threads
• Discord servers
• Telegram channels

The general sentiment in Singapore communities is:

• People are curious about vape flavors and devices
• But everyone knows the risk
• And nobody wants a SG$2,000 fine

So even discussions tend to be careful.

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Why Are People Still Interested in Vape?

Because:

• Traditional cigarettes in Singapore are very expensive
• Vape flavors are more varied
• Some people find vape less harsh than cigarettes

However:
The law does not consider vaping a harm-reduction alternative.
In Singapore, vape is not treated as “a tool to quit smoking” — it is treated as a prohibited product.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is vape 100% illegal in Singapore?
Yes — owning, using, buying, selling, and importing are all illegal.

Q: Can I bring my vape if I don’t use it in Singapore?
No. Even unused devices are illegal to possess.

Q: Can I buy vape in Malaysia and bring it across the border?
Also no. That counts as import, which has higher penalties.

Q: Are nicotine-free vapes allowed?
Still illegal. The law bans any vaping device, not just nicotine ones.

Q: What if I’m only transiting through Changi Airport?
If you stay inside the transit zone and do not go through immigration, it’s less risky —
but technically, if found, it can still be confiscated.

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Conclusion

Vape is fully banned in Singapore — including possession and personal use.
Penalties can be heavy, and customs checks are strict. Even though vaping is popular globally, Singapore has chosen a strong enforcement approach.

If you’re living in Singapore or visiting, the safest choice is:
Don’t bring a vape. Don’t use a vape.