Marine Advisory: 28/2025 - Increased Penalties for Use Of E-Vaporisers In Singapore from 1 September 2025

Marine Advisory: 28/2025

Subject: Increased Penalties for Use Of E-Vaporisers In Singapore from 1 September 2025

References:

1. MPA Port Marine Circular (PMC No. 10 of 2025)
2. Joint Media release from the Ministry of Health, Singapore and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore

Dear Shipowners/Operators/Inspectors/Masters:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to draw your attention to increased penalties for the use of EVaporizers in Singapore. These measures will apply to seafarers on board Liberian registered ships calling the port of Singapore.

From 1 September 2025, individuals found possessing, using, or purchasing E-Vaporizers will face higher penalties. Recalcitrant users may be required to undergo rehabilitation. With the listing of etomidate as a Class C Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 (MDA), etomidate E-Vaporizer offenders will face stiffer penalties, and those who import, sell or distribute etomidate E-Vaporizers will also face prosecution and much higher penalties under the MDA.

Foreigners who visit or live in Singapore must abide by Singapore laws. This is also applicable to ships’ crew calling at the Port of Singapore. Foreigners found in possession of E-Vaporizers will have their Evaporizers seized and be issued a Notice of Composition. Repeat offenders will face more severe consequences. Short-Term Visit Pass holders who re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore upon departure. Those on a long-term pass or immigration facility may also have their pass or immigration facility revoked on a third offence, and be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore thereafter. Foreigners caught possessing or using etomidate E-Vaporizers, or who test positive for etomidate may have their pass or immigration facility revoked and be deported and banned from reentering Singapore.

Singapore Government agencies have increased the conduct of enforcement operations across air, land, and sea checkpoints in Singapore.

For more information on this Marine Advisory, please contact the Regulations and Standards department at RegsandStandards@liscr.com.

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