Philippines Mandates Safety Certification for Nicotine Pouches

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered mandatory safety certification for all nicotine pouches sold nationwide. Enacted under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 26-07, the directive requires domestic and foreign brands to obtain a Philippine Standard (PS) license before distributing these oral smokeless products.

Enforcing WHO Quality and Chemical Standards

Under the order signed on September 2, nicotine pouches must align with World Health Organization (WHO) reference procedures. Regulators will assess formulations across three specific parameters:

Strict nicotine concentration thresholds
Calibrated pH levels to control absorption rates
Regulated water activity to maintain shelf stability

Manufacturers must demonstrate in-plant testing capacity to verify these metrics. Brands lacking internal equipment must submit production batches to DTI-recognized laboratories or accredited international testing facilities for verification.

Packaging Rules and Border Controls

The DTI directive establishes strict labeling rules. Retail packaging must show the official PS certification mark, declared nicotine volume, potential allergens, and clear disposal instructions. Containers must also include full-color graphic health warnings outlining drug interactions, contraindications, adverse reactions, and overdose treatment protocols.

Importers face tight customs oversight. Each entry requires a statement of confirmation per bill of lading, accompanied by a conditional release certificate to move goods into local storage. Third-party toll-packing facilities must also register directly with the DTI through licensed manufacturing partners.

Enforcement Timeline and Penalties

To avoid supply shocks, the DTI established a 12-month transition window allowing companies to register products currently stored in warehouses or sold at retail outlets. Once this grace period concludes, authorities will ban uncertified stock outright.

The DTI confirmed the strict enforcement timeline: “Products that fail to meet the prescribed standards after the transition period shall not be sold, distributed, or otherwise placed in the market.”

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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.