The small country, with famously tough rules on just about everything, is throwing down the gauntlet in its fledgling war on e-cigarettes. Sky-high fines and prison sentences await visiting vejpers in Singapore.
Singapore is known as a country with a leaden rulebook. Most Swedes have heard that throwing litter or spitting in public places, for example, is forbidden and subject to fines. Disturbing the peace through disruptive behavior or fighting in public places, for example, can result in imprisonment, heavy fines or both. Going even further, smuggling, production and possession of very small amounts of drugs subject to the death penalty, which is also the penalty for the most serious crimes. In general, the penalties for various crimes are much more severe than in Sweden.
Cigarettes yes, but not snus and nicotine pouches
According to "Sweden abroad" is illegal to bring in everything from snuff and nicotine pouches to chewing gum in the country and if you are visiting, you would be wise to read up on what applies.
"It is not currently prohibited to bring cigarettes into Singapore. However, there is no duty-free quota and you must therefore in principle pay both duty and tax" writes Sweden Abroad
On the one hand, the regulations make Singapore the cleanest city in Southeast Asia, and tropical diseases are rare. But on the other hand, it can be a bit scary to tour a place where a spat-out portion of snuff gives you the same status as Clark Olofsson.
War on e-cigs
An extra warning goes out to all vejpers. The tiny country and city of the same name is not mincing its words when it comes to e-cigarettes. Authorities plan to step up checks at air, land and sea checkpoints in the coming months, starting at Changi Airport, as part of a declaration of war on vejpning.
Screens for vejps
According to an announcement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Security Authority (HSA), incoming passengers will be able to be screened for e-cigarettes and components in the arrivals halls, writes Channelnewsasia. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the consequences will be fines.
Fines on the spot
In addition to the borders, checks will be stepped up in places such as the central business district, shopping centers, parks, smoking areas, and nightlife venues such as bars and clubs. The authorities describe these as 'public hotspots' where violators will be fined on the spot. Since December 1, 2023, officers from the "National Environment Agency" (yes, they have one) have been empowered to take action against people who use or own e-cigarettes.
Great effort
To spice up the package, it is also cooperating with the "Ministry of Communication and Information Technology" and the "Information and Communication Technology Authority" to detect and remove the sale and advertising of vejp products online. The country is already monitoring the illegal sale of vejp products via social media and messaging platforms.
Weeping children at risk in rice saunas
Domestically, the country's schools are taking action. Although it does not concern visitors, it may be interesting to know that students caught in the act can expect "suspension or rice sauna". At least boys. They will then be placed on remediation programs where "counselors will guide them through their remediation journey to bring about long-term behavior change," writes the Ministry of Health.
Fine or imprisonment for vejpare
To put it bluntly, a vejper who gets caught can expect a fine of 2,000 Singaporean dollars, which is equivalent to about $15,400. Those who import, distribute or sell products face "more severe penalties, including possible imprisonment".
