Singapore intensifies its crackdown on e-cigarettes and related new nicotine products.

According to CNA, Singapore's Parliament has passed the Tobacco (Advertising and Sales Control) (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill, renaming the current Tobacco (Advertising and Sales Control) Act to the Tobacco and E-cigarette Control Act, in order to strengthen the crackdown on e-cigarettes and related new nicotine products.

Following this formal amendment:

• The maximum fine for purchasing, using, and possessing e-cigarettes has been increased to S$10,000 (approximately US$7,800), a significant increase from the previous S$2,000 (approximately US$1,560);

• The penalty for importing e-cigarettes has been upgraded to a compulsory imprisonment route, with a maximum sentence of 9 years and a maximum fine of S$300,000 (approximately US$234,000);

• The maximum penalty for selling or supplying e-cigarettes has been increased to 6 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of S$200,000 (approximately US$156,000);

• Penalties for "simulated tobacco products" have also been increased, with a maximum fine of S$100,000 (approximately US$78,000) and 3 years imprisonment for the first offense, and the maximum penalty for repeat offenders can be doubled. 

Senior Minister of State for Health, Koh Poh Koon, stated during a parliamentary debate that the recent escalation of enforcement efforts has been triggered by etomidate e-cigarettes (Kpods). However, since most e-cigarette users do not actually use etomidate, the authorities will increase the overall maximum penalties related to e-cigarettes to enhance deterrence.

Official disclosures indicate that over 5,100 people have been investigated for e-cigarette-related offenses in the past six months, with more than one-tenth involving etomidate e-cigarettes.

To address the emerging trend of abusing narcotic/psychoactive substances through e-cigarettes and other carriers, the bill introduces the concept of "Specified Psychoactive Substances (SPS)," covering substances that can produce psychoactive effects and may be abused through tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or simulated tobacco products.

Etoomidate will be included in the SPS framework after the new law takes effect and will be removed from the Drug Abuse Act (MDA) when the new law comes into effect on May 1st.

• Those supplying SPS face a maximum penalty of 2 to 10 years imprisonment and caning;

• Smuggling/importing SPS carries a maximum penalty of 3 to 20 years imprisonment and caning;

• Possessing, purchasing, or using SPS can result in a maximum fine of S$20,000 (approximately US$15,600), 10 years imprisonment, or both;

• The new law also clarifies that citizens and permanent residents are breaking the law even when consuming SPS overseas.

The amendments also extend the chain of responsibility to the "premises end"

Owners or occupants of warehouses, storage units, and other premises must take reasonable measures to prevent prohibited items such as e-cigarettes from being stored and distributed within their jurisdiction; possible compliance measures include background checks on tenants, random checks, and including explicit prohibitions in lease agreements.

Nightclubs, bars, and clubs must also take appropriate action if customers are found to possess or use e-cigarettes. The government stated it will provide practical guidance and establish corresponding legal consequences for threats, insults, or assaults that hinder premises from fulfilling their responsibilities.