Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Search

Philippines BIR seizes over 500 illegal e-cigarette retailers with $3.09 million in tax liabilities

Nov.06.2024
Philippines BIR seizes over 500 illegal e-cigarette retailers with $3.09 million in tax liabilities
As of October 2024, the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has seized 506 illegal e-cigarette retailers and distributors, with tax liabilities totaling $3.09 million. These businesses often violate laws due to unpaid excise taxes, missing tax stamps, and lack of registration.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said that as of October this year, the BIR has arrested a total of 506 illegal e-cigarette retailers and distributors, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) website.

 

The Commissioner stated that common illegal activities among e-cigarette retailers and distributors include non-payment of value-added tax, lack of internal revenue stamps, and failure to register with the tax bureau, resulting in a total tax liability of 181.69 million Philippine pesos (3.09 million US dollars).

 

As of the end of October 2024, the BIR has seized 506 illegal e-cigarette retailers and distributors in our raid operations. The number of illegal e-cigarette shops has significantly increased since our nationwide raid on October 16th last year.

 

References:
[1] BIR catches 506 illicit vape resellers as of end October
Also Read:
[1] DTI suspends sales of 11 e-cigarette brands in the Philippines
[2] Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue to intensify crackdown on illegal e-cigarette products
[3] Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue struggles with declining tobacco revenue.
[4] Philippines BIR Launches Nationwide Raid on Illegal E-Cigarette Sellers
[5] Philippine Customs intercepts illegal shipment of marijuana e-cigarettes
[6] Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue Raises Tobacco Prices Mandate
[7] Philippine Customs Seizes $120M Worth of Smuggled e-Cigarettes
[8] Revised Regulations on Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Vaping Products
[9] Massive Smuggling Bust by Philippine Customs Authorities in Manila
[10] DTI Suspends Sales of 5 E-cigarette Brands in Philippines, Including LOST MARY, Chillax, SHFTDr.Freeze, Aerogin, Don Bars, Black Elite
[11] New Guidelines for Handling Seized Goods by Philippines Tax Bureau
#Law enforcement#Asia#Open system e-cigarettes#Philippines

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

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
Why Does JPMorgan Favor BAT Over Philip Morris Despite Forecasting Slower Growth of 3.9% Versus 6.2%?
Why Does JPMorgan Favor BAT Over Philip Morris Despite Forecasting Slower Growth of 3.9% Versus 6.2%?
JPMorgan resumed equity research coverage of British American Tobacco (BAT), Philip Morris International (PMI) and Imperial Brands in November 2026, assigning BAT an Overweight rating and the other two companies Neutral ratings. The bank forecasts like-for-like sales growth of 3.9% for BAT and 6.2% for PMI in 2027, but estimates the two companies will trade at approximately 11 times and 21 times 2027 earnings, respectively. JPMorgan cited BAT's improving position in US nicotine pouches and vaping products as a driver of its investment outlook. BAT reported a 220% constant-currency increase in US modern oral nicotine revenue in the first half of 2026, while PMI's ZYN US shipments returned to growth in the third quarter. Imperial expects NGPs to represent 4% to 5% of sales and has expanded its oral portfolio through acquisitions.
Capital Markets
Nov.12
Ispire Q4 Revenue Rebounds 33% but Full-Year Sales Still Fall 25% as FY2027 Focus Shifts to Malaysia Manufacturing, ODM, Nicotine Pouches and Age Verification
Ispire Q4 Revenue Rebounds 33% but Full-Year Sales Still Fall 25% as FY2027 Focus Shifts to Malaysia Manufacturing, ODM, Nicotine Pouches and Age Verification
Ispire Technology reported FY2026 revenue of about $96 million, down 24.7% year over year, as U.S. cannabis-vapor hardware and European e-cigarette sales declined by $17.4 million and $12.7 million, respectively. Fourth-quarter revenue rose 32.5% to $26.7 million, while quarterly gross margin fell to 6.3%. For FY2027, the company is prioritizing Malaysia manufacturing and vapor ODM while continuing to develop nicotine pouches, IKE Tech age-verification technology and G-Mesh licensing. Ispire has not separately disclosed the revenue or profit contribution of those newer businesses.
Regulations
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Russia's State Duma Passes Tobacco and Nicotine Ingredient Disclosure Bill, Targeting 2027 End to Trade-Secret Protection for Certain Harmful Ingredient Data
Russia's State Duma Passes Tobacco and Nicotine Ingredient Disclosure Bill, Targeting 2027 End to Trade-Secret Protection for Certain Harmful Ingredient Data
Russia's State Duma passed a government-sponsored amendment on November 11, 2026, by 414 votes to none, seeking to prevent businesses from classifying information on the presence and number of types of certain harmful ingredients in tobacco and nicotine-containing products as trade secrets. The measure covers ingredients capable of increasing nicotine dependence or exhibiting toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxicity, including substances that acquire such properties during heating or smoldering. Bill No. 1286415-8 would amend Article 5 of Federal Law No. 98-FZ on Commercial Secrets and is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The bill has cleared all three readings in the State Duma but has not completed the remaining legislative procedures.
Regulations
Nov.12 by 2Firsts Perspectives
STIIIZY Redesign Fails to Escape PAX Labs Patent Import Ban as Section 337 Case Also Involves China ALD
STIIIZY Redesign Fails to Escape PAX Labs Patent Import Ban as Section 337 Case Also Involves China ALD
U.S. Customs and Border Protection ruled that STIIIZY had not shown that the redesigned cannabis-vape products covered by its latest request fall outside an ITC limited exclusion order tied to PAX Labs patents. CBP accepted some of STIIIZY’s claim-construction and non-infringement arguments, but the company did not address two additional claims in the same patent. Earlier STIIIZY redesigned cartridges and certain associated components imported with them had received separate CBP clearance.
Sep.16
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
The Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue is intensifying enforcement against illicit vape and tobacco products ahead of the Christmas shopping season, directing regional and enforcement offices to strengthen monitoring of production sites, warehouses, distribution channels and retail outlets. The BIR destroyed 240,550 illicit vape products in August with an estimated tax liability of about PHP1.53 billion. A nationwide tax-compliance operation in July also inspected 3,590 businesses involved in tobacco and vapor products.
Regulations
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
AIR Q3 Sales Rise 11%, but New Products Generate Just $2.1 Million in Nine Months as U.S. Vape Push Awaits FDA Review
AIR Q3 Sales Rise 11%, but New Products Generate Just $2.1 Million in Nine Months as U.S. Vape Push Awaits FDA Review
AIR Global PLC (NASDAQ: AIIR), a producer of flavored shisha tobacco and next-generation nicotine products, reported an 11.1% increase in third-quarter 2026 revenue to $99.8 million and a 7.7% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $30.9 million. Revenue for the first nine months increased 6.0% to $306.7 million, but the company posted a $74.2 million net loss, affected by listing-related expenses and other costs. Its New Growth Categories (NGC) business generated $2.1 million in nine-month revenue and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $10.8 million. AIR maintained its 2026 revenue growth guidance of 4%–6%, while lowering its capital expenditure outlook and raising its year-end leverage forecast from approximately 2.1 times to 2.5 times. The company has submitted a U.S. PMTA for its Crown Switch pod vape, with future contributions from new products dependent on regulatory progress and commercialization.
Capital Markets
Nov.13
Related Topics
HEADLINE News
Related Read
Why Does JPMorgan Favor BAT Over Philip Morris Despite Forecasting Slower Growth of 3.9% Versus 6.2%?
Why Does JPMorgan Favor BAT Over Philip Morris Despite Forecasting Slower Growth of 3.9% Versus 6.2%?
Ispire Q4 Revenue Rebounds 33% but Full-Year Sales Still Fall 25% as FY2027 Focus Shifts to Malaysia Manufacturing, ODM, Nicotine Pouches and Age Verification
Ispire Q4 Revenue Rebounds 33% but Full-Year Sales Still Fall 25% as FY2027 Focus Shifts to Malaysia Manufacturing, ODM, Nicotine Pouches and Age Verification
2Firsts Perspectives
Russia's State Duma Passes Tobacco and Nicotine Ingredient Disclosure Bill, Targeting 2027 End to Trade-Secret Protection for Certain Harmful Ingredient Data
Russia's State Duma Passes Tobacco and Nicotine Ingredient Disclosure Bill, Targeting 2027 End to Trade-Secret Protection for Certain Harmful Ingredient Data
2Firsts Perspectives
STIIIZY Redesign Fails to Escape PAX Labs Patent Import Ban as Section 337 Case Also Involves China ALD
STIIIZY Redesign Fails to Escape PAX Labs Patent Import Ban as Section 337 Case Also Involves China ALD
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
2Firsts Perspectives
AIR Q3 Sales Rise 11%, but New Products Generate Just $2.1 Million in Nine Months as U.S. Vape Push Awaits FDA Review
AIR Q3 Sales Rise 11%, but New Products Generate Just $2.1 Million in Nine Months as U.S. Vape Push Awaits FDA Review
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Contact: info@2firsts.com
Stay up to date.
Submit your email to receive weekly newsletter on the most relevant news of the e-cigarette industry.
© 2026 2FIRSTS. All Right Reserved.
2FIRSTS is only accessible to industry practitioners, researchers, media and other professionals. Access by minors is prohibited.
This website provides services to users outside the Chinese mainland.
English
English
中文