Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in Singapore? (No: Here's the Law and Penalties)

By PouchGuide Editorial Team · Published October 3, 2026

No. Nicotine pouches are prohibited in Singapore. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) lists “nicotine pouches, vaporisers and their components” among prohibited products, and says individuals found with prohibited products can be fined up to S$10,000. Don’t bring ZYN, VELO or any other pouches to Singapore.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check official sources before you travel.

What the law says

Singapore controls tobacco and nicotine products under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA). This is the renamed and strengthened version of the former Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, and it took effect on May 1, 2026.

• HSA’s enforcement page lists nicotine pouches alongside vapes, pods and e-liquids as prohibited tobacco products.
• In a September 2025 parliamentary reply, Singapore’s Ministry of Health described nicotine pouches and snus as prohibited tobacco products.
• HSA works with Singapore’s media regulator to block websites advertising these products, and with e-commerce and social media platforms to remove listings. Checkpoint authorities detect and seize illegal imports.

Penalties

According to HSA:

• Possession of prohibited products: a fine of up to S$10,000.
• Importing, selling or distributing: treated far more seriously, with higher penalties.

Is it legal to bring pouches for personal use?

No. There’s no personal-use allowance for prohibited products. Bringing pouches through Changi or a land checkpoint risks seizure and a fine. That applies to ZYN, VELO, on! and all other nicotine pouches, as well as snus.

What about other nicotine products?

• Vapes and e-cigarettes: prohibited, and enforcement has been stepped up.
• Cigarettes: legal for adults 21 and over, under strict rules.
• Nicotine gum and patches: these are regulated health products. Ask a pharmacy in Singapore if you need them.

If you’re traveling through Singapore

• Finish or leave your pouches before you fly. Don’t pack them in hand or checked luggage.
• Transit passengers: the rules apply once you enter Singapore. If you’re unsure about staying airside, don’t carry them.
• If you rely on nicotine, consider nicotine replacement therapy for the trip (see nicotine lozenges).

See traveling with nicotine pouches and countries where pouches are banned.

Bottom line

Nicotine pouches are prohibited in Singapore. HSA lists them alongside vapes, possession can bring a fine of up to S$10,000, and there’s no personal-use exception. Don’t bring pouches into Singapore.