
Editor's note: On the afternoon of August 18, 2FIRSTS received a tip-off that the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducted a surprise inspection of the 2024 Philippines e-cigarette exhibition (PVF), seizing brands products that did not comply with local regulations. (For more details: Breaking news: Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue conducts surprise inspection of e-cigarette exhibition New Flava brand may be affected / Latest details on Philippines surprise inspection: BIR Commissioner personally leads operation, surprise inspections may become routine)
According to a report from Malaya Business Insight on August 20, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines seized over 5,000 e-cigarette products at the 2024 Philippine Vape Festival (PVF), with an estimated tax evasion amount of over 7 million pesos ($123,716 USD).
In a statement, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that the Illegal Trade Task Force (ITTF) seized 5,385 illegal e-cigarette products during an enforcement operation on the opening day of the e-cigarette trade show (PVF). Additionally, it was found that all e-cigarette products on display and for sale did not have the required internal tax stamps.
The BIR also mentioned that the exhibition originally planned to hold a compliance summit to discuss compliance issues related to current regulations and policy changes.
BIR Director Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. stated that
They even proudly announced that they would be hosting a compliance summit. When we conducted a surprise inspection at the festival site, we immediately noticed that these e-cigarettes did not have the required tax stamps.
The Bureau of Investigation and Recovery (BIR) reported that during the operation, three booths and three delivery trucks were found to contain illegal e-cigarette products.
Lumague warned that
This is also a warning to all celebrities, influencers, and endorsers who are associated with illegal e-cigarette products. Do not have any connections with these individuals or companies, including those involved in organizing and planning the 2024 Philippine e-cigarette exhibition. Otherwise, you will be aiding these illegal e-cigarette traders in selling illicit products and become accomplices.
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com