Advisory on Vaping and E-vaporisers

Latest Updates 

In line with Singapore’s national policies, NTU is adopting a zero-tolerance approach to vaping and substance abuse, as part of our commitment to a 100% Vape-Free Campus. 

With the reclassification of etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, vaping offences will be dealt with more firmly under NTU’s revised disciplinary framework, in line with national law. This will take effect from 1 September 2025 – more details can be found below.  

Please note that the e-vaporiser disposal bin behind the Green Space at North Spine Plaza will also be removed on 31 August 2025.  

Please note that students who commit vaping offences, whether on or off campus, will face both national and University sanctions.


National Penalties for Vape-Related Offences 

Category of Offenders 

Penalties and Rehabilitation 

All e-vaporiser offenders for consumption and possession
First-time
e-vaporiser offenders
  • $700 fine for ages 18 and above (i.e. Notice of Composition (NOC)) 
Second-time
e-vaporiser offenders
  • Attend rehabilitation for 3 months under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA).

E-vaporiser offenders caught for third time or more

  • Face prosecution and subject to a maximum fine of $2,000, under TCASA.
All etomidate e-vaporiser offenders for consumption and possession

First-time etomidate e-vaporisers offenders

  • $700 fine for ages 18 and above (i.e. NOC)
  • Attend rehabilitation for up to 6 months under the Poisons Act.

Second-time etomidate e-vaporisers offenders

  • Arrest under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).
  • Mandatory supervision for 6 months under MDA, which includes drug testing and rehabilitation.
  • If they do not complete the programme, they will face prosecution under MDA.
Etomidate e-vaporiser offenders caught for third time or more
  • Will be admitted to and detained at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) for treatment and rehabilitation under MDA. They will undergo rehabilitation programmes in the DRC and subsequently undergo drug testing and supervision for 12 months.

 

University Penalties for Vape-Related Offences 

First Time Offence 

Second Offence 

Third Offence 

Vaping  
(^new) 

  • Fine of $300 
  • Mandatory attendance at HPB’s vaping cessation programme
  • Eviction from hostel and barred from on-campus housing for the rest of candidature
  • Immediate removal from leadership position and expunge CCA leadership record for the Academic Year (AY)^
  • Barred from leadership positions for the next AY^
  • Barred from student exchange opportunities for at least one semester/trimester^ 

 

  • Escalation to Board of Discipline for further sanctions, which may include suspension
  • Expunge entire CCA leadership record
  • Barred from leadership positions for the rest of candidature
  • Barred from student exchange opportunities for the rest of candidature
  • Revoking of scholarships 


  • Escalation to Board of Discipline for even heavier sanctions which may include a longer suspension or expulsion   

Vaping using drugs listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act, including Etomidate Vapes. (^new) 

 

  • Fine of at least $300^ 
  • Escalation to Board of Discipline^
  • Depending on the severity of the case and considering the benchmarks of past NTU cases, sanctions such as suspension or expulsion may be imposed  
  • Mandatory attendance at HPB's vaping cessation programme 
  • Eviction from hostel and barred from on-campus housing for the rest of candidature
  • Immediate removal from leadership position and expunge CCA leadership record for the Academic Year (AY)
  • Barred from leadership positions for the next AY
  • Barred from student exchange opportunities for at least one semester/trimester 
  • Suspension of at least one semester/trimester^
  • A longer suspension if a suspension has already been meted out earlier for a same or similar offence^ 


  • Expulsion^ 

 

 

Please refer to the FAQs on Student Intranet if you have questions about the updated vaping sanctions. 

Employees caught using, possessing or distributing vapes will be subject to disciplinary measures such as fines, demotions and dismissal, on top of national sanctions.

Background 

Vaping is illegal in Singapore. Under the Tobacco (Control Of Advertisements And Sale) Act, it is an offence to purchase, use or possess these products and/or their components.  
 
It is also an offence to advertise, import, distribute, sell, offer for sale or possess for sale these products in Singapore.  
 
NTU is a vape-free campus. Vaping is prohibited campus-wide at NTU (including all university buildings and compounds). This applies to all NTU students even if they are found vaping off-campus. 
 
 
To keep our Campus 100% Vape-Free: 

  • Random bag checks for e-vaporisers may be conducted. 
  • Campus Security officers will increase patrols at vaping/smoking hotspots and designated smoking areas to ensure rules are followed.
  • Any student or employee found vaping will be subject to disciplinary action, including mandatory counselling and, in serious cases, possible expulsion or termination. Offenders will also be reported to the authorities. 

Saw something?  

  • Report instances of vaping to the 24-hour Campus Security hotline 6790-5200 or through the Whistleblowing channels: 6592-3797 or online form. 

  • You can also use HSA’s online form or call the Tobacco Regulation Branch: 6684 2036 / 6684 2037, from 9am to 9pm daily (including weekends and public holidays). 

Your health and wellbeing are our priority. Together, we can keep NTU a 100% vape-free campus.