In order to sell tobacco products in Singapore one must apply for a license with the Health Products Regulation Group (HPRG) and the Tobacco Regulation Branch (TRB). Tobacco licenses in Singapore are issued separately for each location these products are sold in. For companies registered in Singapore, the company must appoint an individual in the company’s management to apply for the tobacco license. For other types of legal entities, such as sole traders or partnerships, the legal representative registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is recommended to apply for the tobacco license.
The video below shows how to obtain a tobacco license in Singapore:
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What are the requirements for an individual applying for a tobacco license in Singapore in 2026?
All individuals applying for a special license for selling tobacco products in Singapore must have at least the legal age of 18. They must also register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. Also, an applicant must not have sold tobacco products to minors previous to the application. All applicants must comply with the obligations set out in the SingaporeTobacco Act.
For Singapore restaurants or other eating establishment the tobacco license must be obtained with the category “Eating Establishments” (NEA license) within the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.
Our specialists in opening companies in Singapore will provide you additional information about tobacco licensing requirements.
What are the required documents when applying for a Singapore tobacco license?
In order to obtain a license for selling tobacco products in Singapore, the following documents must be submitted with the Tobacco Regulation Branch:
- a rental contract or a property contract,
- a site plan of the construction site,
- a letter from the construction company allowing the applicant to sell tobacco products,
- a letter of authorization for the applicant,
- for Singapore companies, the business profile from ACRA must also be submitted,
- the applicant’s national registration identity card or passport for foreign applicants,
- a NEA license,
- a NEA smoking corner approval,
- an outdoor refreshment is approved,
- pictures of the premises.
Compliance requirements for tobacco retailers in Singapore
As a tobacco retail licensee must comply with specific requirements upon selling tobacco products. Among them, the following apply:
- account for every tobacco product transaction made by clients;
- the behavior of the staff;
- the oversight of tobacco product sales in accordance with applicable laws;
- ensuring that the regulations controlling the sale of tobacco products are understood by staff members;
- allowing employees only to have access to all tobacco items on a licensed premises;
- staff must confirm buyers’ age, which cannot be below 18;
- displaying one package of a tobacco brand on premises;
- keeping each tobacco transaction invoice or receipt for a year after issuance.
Also, tobacco handling and retailing are prohibited for non-employees.
Prohibition of selling tobacco products in Singapore
Tobacco can be sold in specific outlets in Singapore. However, the license is available for one shop at a time. Considering this one of the most regulated activities in the city-state, it should be noted that there are also other restrictions that apply, among which:
- a retailer cannot sell tobacco products in pharmacies, hospitals, and education facilities;
- gaming arcades are not allowed to sell tobacco either;
- it is also prohibited to sell tobacco near universities.
Failing to comply with the legislation may attract the following fines:
- a maximum SGD 5,000 fine and the suspension of the license for 6 months for selling tobacco to minor children;
- the revocation of the license for selling tobacco to children under the age of 12;
- a maximum fine of SGD 10,000 for repetitive offenses alongside the revocation of the license.
The Singapore tobacco market
In 2025, Singapore’s tobacco products market generated USD 1.746 million. Between this year and 2029, this industry is anticipated to expand at an annual rate of 2.70% per year. Also:
- at the level of 2025, the most sold products were e-cigarettes;
- also, internet sales accounted for 0.2% of the tobacco products market’s entire income;
- this rise was due to the increase of the per capita income, which projected to be is projected to be approximately USD 309.
Despite these numbers, it is important to note that because of stringent regulations and rising public health consciousness, tobacco consumption has slowed down in the past few years.
The tobacco license has a one-year validity period and may be renewed on a yearly basis. For information about the licensing fees please contact our consultants who can also help you open a company in Singaporein 2026.