DTI rebukes 2 vape brands
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday disputed statements from vape brands FLARE and SHFT claiming full compliance with regulations, declaring that their products were not authorized to be sold to the local market.
The DTI “firmly disputes misleading social media posts” from the two brands, the agency said, as it criticized the improper sharing of photos of its staff.
“These posts misrepresent the department’s role and violate consumer protection laws, including Republic Act No. 7394, or “The Consumer Act of the Philippines,” which prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading advertisements,” the DTI said in a statement.
The government agency also cited department administrative order no. 2 -2007, wherein false, misleading information, or concealing material facts is also prohibited.
The DTI added that the only brands with valid Philippine Standard (PS) licenses that were authorized to sell to the Philippine market were DON BARS, KLIQ, ONE BAR, PHANTOM VAPE, RELX, TOMORO, TRUEZ, VAGEND and X-VAPE.
“The DTI urges vape businesses to secure and maintain valid PS Licenses to ensure that products meet safety and quality requirements before being distributed. Noncompliance will result in penalties or suspension of trading,” said the DTI.
The Vape Act lapsed into law in July 2022, while its implementing rules and regulations were released in December 2022.
Earlier in June, the DTI said it had already confiscated P32.76 million worth of vape products from January to May.
The DTI’s office for the special mandate on vaporized nicotine and non-Nicotine products, their devices, and novel Tobacco products (OSMV) is encouraging consumers to report retailers violating vape regulations.
“The DTI, through the OSMV, remains committed to upholding fair-trade practices and protecting the welfare of Filipino consumers,” the DTI said.
