PHILTHRA Urges Risk-Based Vape Taxes as Research Shows 90% Toxin Drop

The Philippine Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (PHILTHRA) presented scientific reviews demonstrating that smoke-free nicotine products carry lower risks than combustible cigarettes during the 2nd National Summit on Nicotine and Harm Reduction in Pasay City. The advocacy group urged state policymakers to align tax policies with scientific data rather than applying blanket cigarette tax rates to reduced-risk alternatives.

Scientific Evidence Confirms Lower Chemical Exposure

PHILTHRA presented research findings compiled by CAPS and Partners Inc., including a meta-analysis of roughly 300 peer-reviewed studies. The analysis revealed that harmful and potentially harmful constituents in vape aerosol were at least 90 percent lower than in cigarette smoke, with overall toxic potency reduced by 85 to 95 percent.

A second review of 20 studies showed up to a 97-percent reduction in exposure biomarkers among users of alternative delivery systems. PHILTHRA also outlined a recent scoping review of 670 studies, noting that across medical literature, non-combustible nicotine products consistently demonstrate lower risk profiles than combustible cigarettes.

Challenging Finance Department Assumptions

During the summit, PHILTHRA challenged two core assumptions held by the Department of Finance: that all nicotine products carry identical health risks and that tax rates do not influence illicit trade.

“The State still has the duty to protect them. And the way to protect them is to give them the less harmful alternative,” the group stated, arguing that equalizing taxes between cigarettes and smoke-free options removes the financial incentive for adult smokers to switch.

Global Regulatory Shifts Toward Harm Reduction

Approximately 90 nations currently regulate alternative nicotine delivery products. PHILTHRA highlighted that Middle Eastern bans have halved from eight to four countries, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Bahrain establishing regulatory frameworks between 2019 and 2021.

Other countries, including Canada, Egypt, and Malaysia, have replaced prohibitions with quality standards and legal commercial sales. PHILTHRA noted that the Philippines embedded harm reduction principles into law through Republic Act 11900, mirroring strategies in Sweden, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

“When you ban and you don’t regulate, you don’t protect the consumers,” the group warned, noting that prohibition drives consumers toward substandard black-market goods.

Summit convenors formally launched the Philippine Harm Reduction Agenda, which outlines a risk-based policy framework to be submitted to Congress and the Department of Finance.

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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.