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.

 

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

Two Taunton Shops Closed After Seizure of Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Two Taunton Shops Closed After Seizure of Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Two shops in Taunton have been ordered to close for three months after authorities found illegal tobacco and vape products worth around £50,000. The seizures followed joint operations involving Trading Standards officers, police and tobacco detection dogs. Magistrates ruled that closing the premises was necessary to prevent further criminal activity.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vietnam’s Health Ministry consults on tobacco-control law amendments, proposing an e-cigarette ban
Vietnam’s Health Ministry consults on tobacco-control law amendments, proposing an e-cigarette ban
VTV.vn reports that Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is collecting feedback on a draft amendment to the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, proposing an e-cigarette ban and broader public health protections.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 Breaking News | FDA Adds on! Plus Nicotine Pouches to PMTA-Authorized List
Breaking News | FDA Adds on! Plus Nicotine Pouches to PMTA-Authorized List
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added ON! Plus nicotine pouch products to its list of authorized products, disclosing that the brand has received Marketing Granted Orders (MGO) through the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) pathway. The update makes on! Plus the second nicotine pouch brand authorized via PMTA, following ZYN. As of publication, the FDA had not issued a separate press release on the decision.
News
Dec.20
Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform prohibiting the production, import, export, transport, distribution, sale, and advertising of vapes and e-cigarettes nationwide. The law does not ban personal use of such products. Backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the amendment to the General Health Law imposes penalties of one to eight years in prison and fines between 11,314 and 226,280 pesos (approximately USD 621–12,430).
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report | Belarus to centralize vaping market under state supervision
Special Report | Belarus to centralize vaping market under state supervision
Belarus is preparing to overhaul its vaping market under tight state control — from monopolizing imports to banning online sales and restricting retail licenses. Officials say nearly 77% of the disposable e-cigarette market is supplied illegally, prompting sweeping regulatory measures that have already sparked strong pushback from consumers and vape retailers.
Dec.03
Product | 2Firsts Exclusive: Breaking Down Pachamama 25K, CHUC’s First U.S.-Made Factory Product
Product | 2Firsts Exclusive: Breaking Down Pachamama 25K, CHUC’s First U.S.-Made Factory Product
U.S. e-cigarette company Charlie’s has brought its first domestic manufacturing facility online, launching the disposable Pachamama 25K, which will initially roll out to 300 retail stores in Texas. The device features a 20 ml e-liquid capacity with 5% nicotine, three power modes and a built-in 1000 mAh battery, and is advertised to deliver up to 25,000 puffs.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai