DTI intensifies campaign vs illicit vape products
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is intensifying efforts to dismantle illicit vape products as part of an ongoing campaign to curb the sale of illegally-sourced products.
It is continuously coordinating with concerned government agencies, including the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police to seize, dispose and condemn illegal vape products.
“Illicit vape products cleared from relevant government bodies shall be subject to condemnation,” the DTI said in a statement on Friday.
The DTI reiterated enterprises’ compliance with the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, its implementing rules and regulations, and other applicable safety, trade and industry laws.
The law aims to promote a healthy environment and protect the citizens from any potential hazards of these novel consumer products.
It also seeks to reduce the harm caused by smoking and prevent the sale of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and their devices, as well as novel tobacco products to minors.
“Manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers of non-compliant vape products will face immediate regulatory action and administrative penalties,” it added.
The agency said it coordinated the disposal of seized vape products through a Department of Environment and Natural Resources-accredited treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) facility, while more batches of illegal vape products are being destroyed.
The DTI earlier warned e-commerce and other digital platforms to take down illegal vape product listings or they might face sanctions for violating rules on the online sale of such products.
Based on its monitoring, the DTI discovered that certain online merchants across various e-commerce platforms are engaged in the sale, or offering for sale, of uncertified vapor products.
Furthermore, these products lack the required fiscal markings or tax stamps as well as Philippine Standard License marks.
The DTI had said failure to comply with applicable laws and policies may result in subsidiarily or solidarily liability with the merchants, and may face administrative and legal proceedings, including fines, and possible suspension of operations in the Philippines.
