According to a report by the Manila Standard on August 22, Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., the Commissioner of the Philippines' Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), attributed the raid that took place at the Philippine Vape Festival (PVF) on Sunday (the 18th) to the organizers of the event and illegal e-cigarette vendors.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) pointed out that e-cigarette products without the proper tax markings are clear violations of tax laws, and the organizers and vendors at the exhibit failed to comply with this basic requirement.
Furthermore, Lumagui also advised celebrities and social media influencers to refrain from promoting illegal e-cigarettes, and suggested that they promote products that are legal and compliant.
In standard journalistic English: "Organizers of the 2024 e-cigarette exhibition in the Philippines, as well as owners of e-cigarette products selling at the event, why are you allowing them to exhibit without proper tax identification? It is your responsibility to ensure that e-cigarette products at the event are compliant. You have invited hundreds of Filipinos to the event, only to showcase illegal e-cigarettes? This is non-compliant, do not deceive the public.
The Bureau of Investigation and Research (BIR) pointed out that the names and images of multiple celebrities and internet influencers have appeared in numerous social media posts and promotional materials, actively promoting this event.
Celebrities, internet influencers, and brand ambassadors at trade shows should be more responsible when promoting e-cigarette products. Please instruct your agents or managers not to accept endorsements or promotions involving illegal e-cigarettes. Instead, we should focus on promoting compliant e-cigarettes to ensure the safety of consumers.
The BIR supports fair competition in the e-cigarette industry. Companies are encouraged to pay taxes and compete fairly. For those e-cigarette companies that regularly pay taxes, it would be very unfair if the BIR does not enforce fair tax policies on non-compliant companies.
On August 18th, the BIR Anti-Illegal Trade Special Action Group raided the Philippine Vape Festival (PVF) and seized 5,385 illegal e-cigarettes, all of which did not have tax markings.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
