Dr. Alireza Raeisi, Deputy Minister of Health at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, expressed deep concern over the illegal distribution and growing use of emerging products such as electronic cigarettes and vapes. He emphasized the urgent need to counter the promotional activities of the tobacco industry, particularly targeting adolescents, young adults, and women.
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.