Take down illegal vape listings, online sites told
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has directed e-commerce and other digital platforms to take down illegal vape product listings or else be sanctioned for violating rules on the online sale of vapor products.
In a statement over the weekend, the DTI said concerned enterprises had been given a “strict seven day countdown” to remove webpages, platform listings or applications of merchants identified as offering illegal or uncertified vape products.
”Monitoring efforts uncovered that certain online merchants across various e-commerce platforms are engaged in the sale, or offering for sale, of uncertified vapor products,” said the DTI, thus the order.
The agency said vapor products offered via e-commerce platforms lack the required fiscal markings or tax stamps as well as Philippine Standard License marks.
The absence of appropriate labels violates Sections 4(d) and 18 of the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, the Standards Law and Department Administrative Order No. 02 issued by the DTI in 2007.
Per the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, all e-commerce and other digital platforms should prohibit the sale and advertisement of regulated goods unless sellers provide the necessary permits, licenses and relevant information.
“Platforms must ensure that all sellers are contractually obligated to comply with applicable sales procedures, limitations, and legal or local government requirements,” the DTI said.
