Dr. Raeisi stated: The ban on the production, sale, import,
export, and any promotional activities related to electronic tobacco products
was announced in 2008 by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, as the
national authority for tobacco control. Nevertheless, despite these preventive
regulations, the use of such products has been expanding among vulnerable
groups in society.
The Deputy Minister of Health, referring to the warnings of the World Health
Organization (WHO) and the resolutions of the Conference of the Parties to the
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control regarding regulations to prevent the
promotion and advertising of emerging products, highlighted Singapore’s recent
action as noteworthy. Following its ban on the use of these products, Singapore
has also introduced strict regulations for foreign nationals, which will come
into effect in September 2025.
According to these regulations, in the case of first-time use, offenders will
be fined, and their devices confiscated. For repeated violations by individuals
holding transit or short-term residence visas, re-entry to Singapore will be
prohibited. Moreover, for holders of long-term residence, work, study, or
dependent visas, a second offense will result in fines and confiscation, while
a third violation will lead to passport cancellation, deportation, and
permanent entry ban.
The Secretary of the National Tobacco Control Headquarters also noted the
request for support from the Attorney General’s Office and relevant authorities
to take action against traffickers and distributors of these products in the
country. Emphasizing the potential dangers of such products—particularly their
role in causing respiratory diseases, nicotine dependence, and increasing
tobacco use—he underlined the urgent need for oversight bodies to step in and
for stronger cooperation among responsible organizations to ensure strict
enforcement of the ban on sales and distribution, as well as effective action
against those promoting these products.