Philippines Takes Joint Action Against Illicit Vape Brands

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has intensified its efforts to regulate illegal vape products by filing lawsuits against four e-cigarette brands, including Relx and Flare, and suspending their trading activities. This action follows the DTI’s previous move to halt the sales of five brands, such as LOST MARY and Chillax.

DTI Collaborates with Multiple Agencies to Combat Smuggling and Protect Minors

On September 11, the DTI released a statement announcing its collaboration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Philippine National Police (PNP) to crack down on vape products without tax stamps and strictly enforce Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. This initiative aligns with the directive of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand and strengthen efforts against the smuggling and illegal trading of tobacco and vape products, as well as to protect minors from accessing these items.

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Philippine DTI Issues Trading Suspension on Several Vape Brands for Violating RA 11900

Recent Operations Lead to Confiscation of Illicit Vape Products

During recent operations in Pasay City and Manila, enforcement officers seized a batch of illegal vape products that violated DTI Administrative Order No. 22-16, which prohibits the packaging, labeling, display, or marketing of vape products with flavor descriptors appealing to minors, and the internal tax marking requirements. According to BIR Revenue Memorandum 105-2023, all vape importers and manufacturers must affix internal tax stamps on their products by June 1, 2024.

Four Brands Face Formal Charges and Suspended Trading

The DTI has filed formal charges against the manufacturers of four vape brands: Relx, Flare, Team X, and Funky Monkey, for violating the internal tax marking requirements of RA11900. As a result, the trading and PS licenses (if issued) of these brands will be suspended pending the resolution of the formal charges. Penalties for selling or trading these products include fines of 2 million pesos (approximately $35,000) for the first offense, 4 million pesos (approximately $70,000) for the second offense, and 5 million pesos (approximately $90,000) along with the cancellation of licenses for the third offense.

Source: DTI strengthens enforcement of Vape Law, reminds traders to comply

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.