Philippines BIR Launches Nationwide Raid on Illegal E-Cigarette Sellers

Oct.17.2024

Philippine BIR chief orders nationwide crackdown on illegal e-cigarette retailers and distributors, warning of surprise inspections and criminal cases.

According to a report by Journal on October 17th, Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., the Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines, has ordered all tax officials to conduct nationwide raids on illegal e-cigarette retailers and distributors.

Tax office branches and tax district offices across the region have been instructed to monitor and conduct raids on all businesses involved in the illegal sale of e-cigarettes. Authorities emphasize that the main targets of this operation are retailers and distributors, as they are accomplices of e-cigarette smugglers.

Director Lu Maqiu of the BIR emphasized that

Illegal e-cigarette distributors will be subjected to a surprise inspection. They are accomplices to e-cigarette smugglers. Without distributors, there would be no smugglers. Smugglers will be forced to comply with BIR regulations.

The illegal e-cigarette industry has been warned multiple times to follow BIR regulations, but they have repeatedly ignored the law. Therefore, the BIR will intensify its enforcement actions against illegal e-cigarette retailers and distributors. It is anticipated that there will be raids and criminal cases.

The director encouraged the public to report organizations involved in illegal e-cigarette activities to the national tax authority.

References:

[1] Lumagui: Walang Vape Smuggler kung Walang Illicit Vape Retailer/Reseller; BIR conducts Nationwide Raid against Illicit Vape Retailers/Resellers

Also Read:

[1] Philippine Customs intercepts illegal shipment of marijuana e-cigarettes

[2] Philippines DTI: Unregulated E-cigarette Products Flood Market, Urges Legal Purchases

[3] DTI-FTEB and PNP-CIDG Joint Operation in Tondo District

[4] New Guidelines for Handling Seized Goods by Philippines Tax Bureau

[5] Philippine Customs Seizes 200 Marijuana E-cigarettes at Clark Port

[6] DTI Strengthens Enforcement of E-cigarette Law to Protect Minors

[7] Philippine Customs Seizes $33.8k Worth of E-Cigarettes in Warehouses

[8] BIR's Raid on PVF 2024: Flava E-cigarette Products Seized

[9] BIR Raid on Philippines E-Cigarette Expo: Products Seized and Taxed.

[10] Philippine Vape Festival 2024 Faces Tax Inspection Controversy

[11] Philippine Smoke-Free Movement Calls for E-Cigarette Regulation Review

[12] Biyao City Takes Action to Destroy Illegal Tobacco Products

[13] Illegal e-cigarette products in Taytay market seized by authorities.

#Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Philippines #Regulation

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