Singapore HSA: Contact Lens Enforcement & Illegal Listings Removal

Singapore: HSA Warns Against Online Purchase of Contact Lenses and Removes Illegal Health Product Listings – May/June 2026

2026-07-27

Contact Lenses as Regulated Health Products

HSA reminded consumers that contact lenses are regulated health products and should be prescribed and supplied by qualified eye care professionals. Contact lenses purchased from unauthorised online sellers may not meet the required standards of safety, quality and performance.

Risks of Online Purchase

The authority emphasised that all contact lenses, including cosmetic lenses without refractive power, require proper fitting and professional guidance. Improperly fitted or poor-quality contact lenses may increase the risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers and permanent vision damage. HSA also noted that adverse event reports associated with contact lens use have been received.

Global enforcement and Operation Pangea

During Operation Pangea XVIII (10–23 March 2026), HSA removed 959 illegal health product listings from local e-commerce and social media platforms, issuing warnings to 152 sellers. Unregistered contact lenses accounted for more than 82% of the listings removed. HSA seized 6,641 units of illegal health products at Singapore's borders, with prescription medicines, anti-parasitic medicines and dermal fillers among the bulk. The press release reminds sellers that it is illegal to sell contact lenses online and that these products must be registered to ensure safety, performance and quality.

Regulatory Consequences for Non-Compliance

HSA has also reminded sellers and suppliers that it is illegal to sell unregistered medical devices or medical devices intended for professional use through local e-commerce platforms. Organizations involved in importing, distributing, supplying or advertising unregistered health products may face product seizures, listing removals, investigations and prosecution.

According to HSA, parties found supplying such products may, upon conviction, face imprisonment of up to 3 years and/or fines of up to SGD 100,000 (~USD 77,520). For contact lenses with refractive power, importers and wholesalers must also hold the appropriate HSA licences and comply with Good Distribution Practice requirements before supplying these products in Singapore.

Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance

Through consumer advisories and enforcement activities, HSA continues to strengthen oversight of regulated health products and promote public awareness of the risks associated with non-compliant products. Consumers are encouraged to purchase contact lenses only from authorised providers and to seek professional advice before use.

These enforcement activities demonstrate HSA's continued focus on monitoring online marketplaces, social media platforms and cross-border imports to identify and remove non-compliant products from the Singapore market.

Implications and Significance

These announcements underscore that:

Contact lenses are regulated medical devices requiring registration and professional prescription.
Manufacturers, importers, distributors and online sellers must ensure compliance with applicable HSA registration, licensing and distribution requirements before products are imported, promoted or supplied in Singapore. Non-compliant listings will be removed and penalised.
Consumers should purchase contact lenses only from licensed practitioners and report suspect listings.
Due to HSA's regulatory oversight continues to strengthen, compliance remains an important consideration for organizations seeking sustainable market access in Singapore.

Planning to introduce medical devices into Singapore? With 26+ years of experience, Qualtech experts can support HSA registration and regulatory compliance for contact lenses and a wide range of medical devices. Connect with us today here to unlock your medical device potential.

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