Starting from September 1, heated tobacco products, including IQOS and other similar devices, as well as electronic cigarettes, particularly K-pods and vapes containing etimidate, will be legally banned in Singapore. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore announced this. According to the new law, bringing electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products into Singapore territory, selling, possessing, and using them is strictly prohibited.
Violations of the law may result in penalties. For example, possession or smoking can lead to a fine of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars.
For selling or importing, a fine of up to 10,000 US dollars or imprisonment for up to six months may be applied. In cases of repeated offenses, the fine can increase up to 20,000 US dollars and imprisonment extended up to 12 months.
Additionally, repeated offenses may lead to mandatory rehabilitation programs and later criminal liability. Singapore considers K-pod type vapes as devices related to narcotics.
Etimidate is officially registered as a Class S drug. Possession or use of it leads to mandatory control and rehabilitation programs, and repeated offenses result in criminal liability.
For smuggling, imprisonment from 3 to 20 years and 5 to 15 strokes of corporal punishment are prescribed. In cases of selling and distribution, imprisonment from 2 to 10 years and 2 to 5 strokes of corporal punishment are applied.
This law applies to all foreigners, including students and work visa holders, as well as Singapore citizens. Persons violating the law may be detained, heavily fined, deported, and banned from entering Singapore again.
Citizens of Uzbekistan are strongly advised not to bring electronic cigarettes and K-pods into Singapore. These measures once again emphasize the importance of legal security for tourists and labor migrants abroad and compliance with tax and administrative regulations.
Strict adherence to these rules is necessary in Singapore.
