Brunei court fines traveller BND28,570 over vape items without a permit

A Philippine national has been fined BND28,570 in Brunei after pleading guilty to possessing vape juice and vape devices without a valid permit. The case dates back to an inspection in the arrivals area of Brunei International Airport.

Key facts

• Items seized: 38 bottles of vape juice flavouring and three vape devices
• Location: passenger arrivals section, Brunei International Airport
• Time of seizure: 3 October 2026, around 1.15am
• Charge: possession without a valid licence or permit under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006
• Penalty: fine of BND28,570, with 13 months' imprisonment in default of payment
• The seized products were ordered forfeited to the government for disposal

What happened?

John Christopher Castro was found with 38 bottles of vape juice flavouring and three vape devices in the passenger arrivals section of Brunei International Airport on 3 October at about 1.15am. An officer from Brunei's Royal Customs and Excise Department prosecuted the case.

He appeared before Magistrate Normazdina Md Maksub at the Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrates' Court on 5 October and pleaded guilty.

What rule was broken?

The offence was prosecuted under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006, covering possession of the items without a valid licence or permit. The case concerned the permit requirement for the vape products rather than the quantities alone.

What penalty was imposed?

The court fined the defendant BND28,570. If the fine is not paid, a 13-month prison term applies in default. The vape devices and vape juice were ordered forfeited to the government for disposal.

What this means for travellers

The case shows that arriving in Brunei with vape products can lead to prosecution if the items are held without a valid licence or permit. Travellers carrying vape juice or vape devices should establish before travelling whether a permit is required for those goods, and should expect customs checks in the arrivals area of Brunei International Airport.

No further information about permit applications or fees was given in the report.