First Phase Of The Ban On Emerging Tobacco Products To Take Effect From 15 Dec 2015

              With effect from 15 December 2015, emerging tobacco products currently not available in Singapore will be banned to ensure that they do not gain a foothold or become entrenched in the Singapore market, which could stimulate demand for and increase the prevalence of tobacco consumption.

2.            This is part of the Ministry of Health (MOH)’s ongoing efforts to protect the public against the known and potential harms of emerging tobacco products. MOH had announced on 15 June 2015 that the ban on emerging tobacco products would be implemented in two phases.

3.            The emerging tobacco products that will be banned in this phase include:

·         Smokeless cigars, smokeless cigarillos or smokeless cigarettes;

·         Dissolvable tobacco or nicotine[1];

·         Any product containing nicotine or tobacco that may be used topically for application, by implant or injected into any parts of the body[2]; and

·         Any solution or substance, of which tobacco or nicotine is a constituent, that is intended to be used with an electronic nicotine delivery system or a vaporiser (what are commonly referred to as e-cigarettes).

4.            The ban will be effected via the Prohibited Tobacco Products Regulations made under Section 15 of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.

5.            Any person who contravenes the ban shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both, and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.

6.            The second phase of the ban, which is on emerging tobacco products existing in the local market, will take effect from 1 August 2016. These products include:

·           Nasal snuff

·           Oral snuff

·           Gutkha, khaini and zarda

7.            The notice period (starting from 15 June 2015 till the date the ban comes into effect) has been given to allow importers and retailers in Singapore to adjust their operating models away from such products, and deplete their existing stocks.

8.            Members of the public who have information on the import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of such emerging tobacco products may call the reporting line (Tel: 66842036 or 66842037) during office hours.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

14 DECEMBER 2015

[1]The ban excludes any tobacco-containing product, tobacco derivate, or medicinal product registered under the Medicines Act.

[2] The ban excludes any tobacco-containing product, tobacco derivate, or medicinal product registered under the Medicines Act.