Shisha

Shisha is banned in Singapore. The government prohibited shisha tobacco on 28 November 2014, and after a grace period for existing licensed sellers ended on 31 July 2016, importing, wholesaling and selling shisha tobacco or molasses became illegal for everyone.

Key facts

• Status: banned to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale
• Ban announced: 28 November 2014
• Grace period ended: 31 July 2016
• Law: Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Prohibited Tobacco Products) Regulations, now under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act
• Enforced by: Health Sciences Authority (HSA)

Why did Singapore ban shisha?

Health authorities said shisha smokers are exposed to high levels of harmful toxicants, including carbon monoxide, nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals. The ban followed a review of tobacco laws by the Health Promotion Board and HSA that began in 2009.

What happened to shisha cafes?

Licensed shisha outlets, many of them in the Kampong Glam area, were allowed to keep operating until 31 July 2016 so they could run down their stock and change their business. After the deadline, HSA moved quickly: in September 2016 it prosecuted five retailers in Kampong Glam for selling shisha tobacco without a licence, and they were fined a total of S$14,200.

Can tourists bring shisha into Singapore?

No. Shisha tobacco and molasses are on HSA’s list of prohibited tobacco products, so bringing them in counts as illegal import. Items found at the border are seized. Do not pack flavoured shisha tobacco when travelling to Singapore.

Is the hookah itself banned?

The ban targets the tobacco and molasses, which make up the product people actually smoke. With those banned, shisha smoking has effectively disappeared from Singapore’s cafes.

Shisha was one of several tobacco products Singapore banned in the 2010s, alongside chewing tobacco and snuff and e-cigarettes and vapes. See every rule on the Singapore bans page.

General information, not legal advice.