BIR to Confiscate Unmarked E-cigarette Products Starting 2024

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.07.2024
BIR to Confiscate Unmarked E-cigarette Products Starting 2024
BIR to seize unmarked e-cigarette products starting June 1, 2024, enforcing legal actions on individuals and companies.

According to Manila Bulletin's report on May 7, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines announced that starting from June 1, 2024, they will confiscate e-cigarette products that do not have the required internal revenue stamp. Individuals and businesses found with these products will also face legal consequences.

 

BIR Director Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. emphasized in a recent statement that e-cigarette manufacturers and importers must ensure their products comply with the requirements for internal revenue stamps by June 1 of this year.

 

Director Lumagui reminds relevant enterprises that they can start ordering the new generation of tax receipts from May 8th.

 

In addition, Luguay warned that starting in June, the National Taxation Bureau will strictly supervise the market and confiscate e-cigarette products that do not have tax stamps as required. He pointed out that such behavior will not only be subject to administrative penalties, such as fines that may increase tenfold, but also will face criminal responsibility for tax evasion.

 

The series of measures taken by the National Taxation Bureau is a direct response to the ongoing issue of illegal e-cigarette trading. Since 2022, the BIR has conducted multiple raids on illegal e-cigarette trading and successfully prosecuted several cases criminally.

 

Lumague finally stated, "In the 'New Philippines', there is no room for tolerance for those who sell e-cigarettes without paying the correct taxes. The BIR will continue to intensify enforcement efforts to ensure that all businesses comply with tax laws."

 

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