Heated tobacco and nicotine pouches

Heated tobacco devices such as IQOS and oral nicotine products are not sold legally in Singapore. Since December 2015, Singapore has banned “emerging tobacco products”, including smokeless cigarettes and dissolvable tobacco or nicotine, so these newer alternatives to cigarettes never entered the legal market.

Key facts

• Status: banned to import, distribute or sell
• Emerging products ban: from December 2015
• Covered on HSA’s prohibited list: smokeless cigarettes, dissolvable tobacco or nicotine, and vaporiser products
• Enforced by: Health Sciences Authority (HSA)

Why are IQOS and similar devices banned?

Singapore’s approach is to stop new tobacco and nicotine products before they gain a foothold. In December 2015 the government banned emerging tobacco products that were not yet on the local market, such as smokeless cigarettes and dissolvable nicotine. Industry research on the Singapore market confirms that smokeless tobacco, e-vapour products and heated tobacco are all banned for sale, use and promotion.

Health authorities argue that these products can keep people addicted to nicotine and attract young users who would never have smoked cigarettes.

Are nicotine pouches like Zyn allowed?

No. HSA’s list of prohibited tobacco products includes dissolvable tobacco or nicotine, and oral snuff such as snus is also banned. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are not sold legally in Singapore.

Can travellers bring IQOS or pouches into Singapore?

Travellers should not. Importing prohibited tobacco products is an offence, and items can be seized at the border. Singapore has stepped up checks on tobacco and vape products at Changi Airport and land checkpoints, especially since the 2025 crackdown on vapes.

What nicotine products are legal?

Ordinary cigarettes can still be sold by licensed retailers, although shops have not been allowed to display tobacco products since 2017, and nicotine patches and similar cessation aids are available in pharmacies.

Singapore’s strict line on nicotine also covers e-cigarettes and vapes and chewing tobacco and snuff. For other countries’ vape rules, see are vapes getting banned.

General information, not legal advice. Check HSA’s current list before you travel.