Singaporean employers should have vaping policies in place following crackdown
21 Aug 2025, 3:40 am
Amid heightened regulatory action taken against vaping by the Singaporean authorities, treating it as a drug offence with harsher penalties, an expert emphasises the need for employers to have clear policies regarding vaping in the workplace.
Vaping is illegal in Singapore, but has been growing in popularity in recent years. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recently announced that vaping will be treated as a “drug issue”, with individuals selling vapes potentially facing severe punishment, including imprisonment for those selling vapes containing harmful substances.
Vaping was previously treated similarly to tobacco products, with sellers and users only receiving fines.
Mayumi Soh, an expert in employment law at Pinsent Masons, said: “Given these recent developments, it is important for employers to take a proactive approach by implementing policies to address vaping.”
“Employers should have clear policies against vaping, and clear rules on the consequences of breaching these policies,” she said.
“These can be incorporated within their existing employee handbook, whistleblower policies and disciplinary policies as appropriate.”
The Singaporean government is also launching supervision and rehabilitation services for those addicted to vaping as well as a public education drive starting in schools, higher education, and national service.
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