Singapore: Emerging Tobacco Product Ban Kicks in on Dec 15

Source from:  Channel NewAsia 12/15/2015

A ban on emerging tobacco products in Singapore kicks in on Dec 15, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).

MOH had earlier announced in June this year that the ban on emerging tobacco products would be implemented in two phases.

The products in the ban are currently unavailable in Singapore. The ban is "to ensure 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", said MOH.

The products that will be banned in the first phase include:

Smokeless cigars, smokeless cigarillos or smokeless cigarettes;
Dissolvable tobacco or nicotine;
Any product containing nicotine or tobacco that may be used topically for application, by implant or injected into any　　parts of the body; and
Any solution or substance, of which tobacco or nicotine is a constituent, that is intended to be used with an electronic　　nicotine

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

Those found to have contravened the ban face a fine of up to S$10,000 or up to six months' jail, or both. The second or subsequent conviction carries a fine of up to S$20,000 or up to 12 months' jail, or both.

The second phase of the ban, which is on emerging tobacco products that are in the local market, will take effect from Aug 1, 2016. The products include nasal snuff, oral snuff, gutkha, khaini and zarda. Enditem