Tag Archive for: Philippines

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines is optimistic that the implementation of vape stamps will help narrow the excise tax gap in 2025. BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui highlighted this strategy as a response to changing consumer preferences and challenges in tax collection.

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The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken a significant step towards regulating the online sale of vapor products and novel tobacco items. On April 1, 2025, the DTI issued Department Administrative Order No. 25-04, mandating stringent age verification measures for all digital platforms selling these products. This move comes as part of the government’s efforts to prevent minors from accessing potentially harmful substances while balancing the needs of adult consumers and businesses in the digital marketplace.

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The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) leadership strongly reaffirmed the agency’s opposition to tobacco and vape products during a meeting with health advocates on Thursday, April 10th. DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo met with representatives from HealthJustice Philippines to discuss the nation’s commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

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Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally led the public destruction of nearly 3 million pieces of smuggled electronic cigarettes and vaping accessories in Manila on Monday, April 7th. The seized goods, valued at approximately P3.26 billion (Philippine Pesos, about $56.8M), were disposed of at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) facility in South Harbor, signaling the administration’s firm stance against illicit trade.

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The Philippines has been steadily increasing excise taxes on tobacco products in recent years, with the latest adjustments taking effect on March 22, 2025. These tax hikes are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to discourage smoking and raise revenue for the country’s universal healthcare program.

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken a firm stance against misleading social media posts by vape companies FLARE and SHFT, highlighting serious regulatory compliance issues in the Philippine vaping industry.

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The Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) is intensifying its efforts to enforce the city’s Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance, ensuring stricter compliance in public areas, streets, and schools. The ordinance also bans tobacco advertising, promotions, and sponsorships within the city.

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has announced a new set of rules and requirements aimed at combating the illegal trade of vape products, ensuring consumer safety, and streamlining import procedures. The agency is seeking public and stakeholder input on the draft Department Administrative Order (DAO), which amends the documentary requirements for obtaining a Statement of Confirmation (SOC) for product importers.

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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) plans to align taxes on vape products and traditional cigarettes this year to increase revenue collection, according to BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. During the BIR Region 7B Tax Campaign Kickoff, Lumagui told reporters, “I think it will happen this year. There will be an improvement, and the drag down of excise taxes on tobacco and vape will not be that big.”

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The Philippines House of Representatives has passed two critical bills aimed at addressing revenue losses and smuggling in the tobacco and vaping industries. House Bill 11360, which seeks to rationalize excise tax rates, and House Bill 11286, which mandates a track-and-trace system for tobacco products, both cleared their final readings with overwhelming support.

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