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Singapore

Tobacco Control Policies

Singapore became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 14, 2004.  

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in shops, universities and vocational facilities, cultural facilities, and hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Although smoking is prohibited in some indoor public places and workplaces, designated smoking areas can be established in many workplaces, government buildings, hawker centers, and public transport facilities, among others.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Virtually all advertising of tobacco products is banned, with “advertising” defined very broadly to encompass most forms of direct and indirect advertising and promotion. Point of sale product display is prohibited at most points of retail sale, although specialist tobacconists and certain duty-free shops are exempt. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship, although the publicity of such sponsorship is prohibited under the general ban on tobacco advertising.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Plain packaging is required for all tobacco products beginning July 1, 2020. Combined picture and textual health warnings are required to appear on 75 percent of the front and back of smoked tobacco product packaging. Rotation is required every 24 months. The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco products. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light”; “lights”; “low tar”; “low-tar”; “mild”; and “ultra-light"; is prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Singapore are below these recommendations.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities Yes
Private offices No
Primary and secondary schools Yes
Public transport No
Universities No
Restaurants No
Governmental facilities No
Bars and Pubs No
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions? No
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts Yes
Domestic magazines and newspapers Yes
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names Yes
Outdoor advertising Yes
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names Yes
Point-of-sale advertising Yes
Paid placement in media Yes
Retail product display No
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility Yes
Internet advertising Yes
Publicity of sponsorships Yes
Free distribution Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 6
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 75%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 75%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 75%
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products Yes
TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE
PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE)
In country currency 14.30 SGD
Total taxes 66%
In US dollars 10.37 USD
Total excise 60%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2023. Available at: www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/global-tobacco-report-2023

Last updated: January 27, 2021