Editor's note: On the afternoon of August 18th, 2FIRSTS received a tip that the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had conducted a surprise inspection at the 2024 Philippine Vape Fair (PVF), seizing brands that did not comply with local regulations. According to sources on the scene, the new Flava brand FLARE may have been affected by this operation. (For more information, read: Breaking News: Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue conducts surprise inspection at e-cigarette expo, Flava's new brand may be affected)
According to a report in the Manila Bulletin on August 19, on August 18, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines raided the 2024 Philippine Vape Festival (PVF), targeting illegal e-cigarette products that did not comply with local regulations.
On the same day, August 18th, a team led by BIR Director Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. raided this year's e-cigarette exhibition in Las Pinas City after surveillance footage showed untaxed e-cigarette products being sold at the event.
With the assistance of the BIR's Illegal Trade Task Force (ITTF), Lumagui confiscated illegal products lacking domestic tax stamps.
The on-site photo gallery is as follows:
Currently, the process of inventorying the illegal e-cigarette products confiscated during the exhibition is still ongoing.
Lumage emphasized that
We have issued warnings to the e-cigarette industry. BIR will conduct raids on any premises found to have illegal e-cigarettes at any time, even on weekends or holidays. We will raid festival events. We will raid public markets. We will raid warehouses. Those caught evading taxes will face criminal charges.
He pointed out that despite repeated reminders to comply with tax regulations, illegal e-cigarette products were still openly displayed at the exhibition. He described this as a blatant disregard for the proper taxation of the e-cigarette industry.
They even organized a festival event filled with illegal e-cigarettes. The full force of the BIR's Illegal Trade Special Task Force will be used to crack down on this industry.
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducted a raid at the Taytay Tiangge market due to the presence of FLAVA and other illegal e-cigarette products. (Read more: Philippines' Bureau of Internal Revenue seizes nearly 8,000 illegal e-cigarette items involving FLAVA brand products)
Just a few weeks ago, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) raided a building in Quezon City and confiscated a FLAVA vending machine. (Read more: Philippine Commissioner of Internal Revenue personally seals FLAVA e-cigarette vending machine, encourages the public to report illegal activities)
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