• As part of the Whole-of-Government efforts against e-vaporisers, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has stepped-up checks at the air, land and sea checkpoints to detect and deter attempts to smuggle e-vaporisers.
• Border security is a crucial aspect of the enforcement strategy against e-vaporisers. The ICA adopts a multi-pronged approach comprising the following measures:
  

1. Pre-arrival Risk Assessment
   The Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC), which operates 24/7, leverages data analytics to conduct pre-arrival risk assessment of travellers, conveyances and cargo. Those assessed to be of higher risk are flagged for checks upon arrival at our checkpoints, before they enter Singapore.
   
2. Ground Profiling and Detection
   ICA officers conduct ground profiling using their skills and expertise, complemented by technology such as radiographic and X-ray scanners, as well as handheld detection devices. These efforts enable the uncovering of smuggled items hidden in vehicles, travellers’ belongings and attire.

• ICA also works closely with other enforcement agencies through information sharing and conducting joint operations to supplement enforcement efforts by ICA officers at the checkpoints.

Statistics

• Between 18 and 22 August 2025, ICA conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles across the air, land and sea checkpoints. This led to the detection of 184 cases and more than 850 e-vaporisers and its related components seized.  
• During the same period, ICA officers also detected several significant smuggling attempts involving duty-unpaid cigarettes and chewing tobacco across Singapore’s air, land and sea checkpoints. In these cases, smugglers had sought to evade detection by concealing the contraband within lorries, cars, cargo consignments and air shipments. ICA officers uncovered more than 2,400 packets of chewing tobacco, as well as more than 53,000 cartons and 3,900 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes. 

Advisory and Penalties

• E-vaporisers are illegal in Singapore and the Government adopts a zero-tolerance stance on vaping. 
• Travellers in possession of e-vaporisers must declare them to ICA officers upon arrival at the checkpoints and comply with officers’ instructions.
• Travellers who fail to declare and are detected by ICA officers to be in possession of e-vaporisers will be liable to fines or be referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.