The Beginning of Crackdown: Singapore Ramps Up Vaping Enforcement with Extended Hotline Hours and New Online Reporting Tool

circular connection
Jul 20
2 min read

From 21 July 2025 (Monday), reporting illegal vaping gets easier with extended hotline hours and a new digital platform, as authorities eye stronger legal action on vape drugs.

Teen in gray shirt vaping outdoors, exhaling cloud of smoke. Urban background with apartment buildings, trees, and road. Calm mood.

AI Image: OpenAI

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is strengthening its efforts to curb illegal vaping in Singapore by launching a new online reporting form and extending its hotline service to operate daily from 9am to 9pm starting 21 July 2025.

This move comes amid a rise in vaping-related incidents, many of which have been exposed through public feedback and social media. In 2024, more than 3,000 reports were filed. The first half of 2025 has already seen over 2,500. Recent cases include raids on teenagers and adults possessing e-vaporisers, with some pods testing positive for etomidate—a powerful anesthetic drug.

Currently, possession or use of e-vaporisers in Singapore carries a fine of up to $2,000 under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. While importing, selling or distributing such devices carries heavier penalties, end users typically face monetary fines only. This has drawn criticism for being a weak deterrent, especially in light of more serious health risks.

Assorted colorful vape devices lie on a gray background. They feature various colors like red, blue, green, and metallic shades, creating a vibrant display.

AI Image: OpenAI

Etomidate is currently regulated under the Poisons Act, but Health Minister Ong Ye Kung recently announced that the Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to reclassify it as an illegal drug. If enacted, this shift would subject offenders to the Misuse of Drugs Act, which carries significantly harsher penalties including imprisonment.

The new online form at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape allows reports to be submitted in just five minutes. Users will need to log in with Singpass and provide evidence such as photos or videos, along with the time, date and location of the incident.

This expanded reporting system underscores the crucial role of public vigilance in identifying offenders and supporting investigations, particularly as Singapore prepares for potentially stricter legal measures ahead.

Key Details:

Online reporting platform: www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
Login required via: Singpass
Hotline numbers: 6684 2036 / 6684 2037
New hotline operating hours: 9am to 9pm daily (including weekends and public holidays)
Effective from: 21 July 2025