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

UK, Jersey and Guernsey to Ban Disposable Vapes From Jan. 31 as Island Sell-Through Window Closes
UK, Jersey and Guernsey to Ban Disposable Vapes From Jan. 31 as Island Sell-Through Window Closes
Jersey and Guernsey will enforce a full ban on disposable vapes from Saturday, 31 January 2026, making it illegal for shops to sell them after close of business. Online purchases shipped into the islands will also be targeted, with Guernsey’s Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink saying Customs will conduct checks and can seize imported disposables. Refillable vapes are not covered by the ban.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian Langkawi marine police seize vape devices and e-liquid worth US$43,902
Malaysian Langkawi marine police seize vape devices and e-liquid worth US$43,902
In Langkawi, Malaysia, the Marine Police seized various vape devices and e-liquid valued at RM178,400 (about US$43,902.99). Authorities believe the goods were intended to be smuggled out to a neighboring country.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British Columbia Sues Juul Over Youth Nicotine Addiction
British Columbia Sues Juul Over Youth Nicotine Addiction
British Columbia has filed a civil lawsuit against Juul Labs, alleging the company fuelled youth nicotine addiction through highly addictive products and deceptive marketing practices. The claim was submitted to the B.C. Supreme Court under the newly enacted Vaping Product Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | “Prefilled + Refill” Combo, Up to 30,000 Puffs Claimed: DOJO BLAST 30K PRO Launches in the UK and France
Product | “Prefilled + Refill” Combo, Up to 30,000 Puffs Claimed: DOJO BLAST 30K PRO Launches in the UK and France
DOJO has launched the upgraded BLAST 30K PRO on its official website. The device features a (2+8) ml ×2 “2 ml prefilled pod + 8 ml refill” configuration, delivering 20 ml of e-liquid per kit and claiming up to 30,000 puffs. It is also labeled as fully compatible with BLAST 10K Pods.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
A newly introduced Tennessee bill, S.B. 2086, would create a statewide tobacco product retail licensing system, move oversight to the Tennessee Alcohol Commission, and impose fees and escalating penalties. The proposal also requires all tobacco product sales to occur as in-person, over-the-counter transactions at licensed locations—effectively banning direct-to-consumer shipping of cigars and potentially restricting curbside or phone-order pickup models.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California DOJ publishes first-ever Unflavored Tobacco List; products not on the list are ineligible for sale
California DOJ publishes first-ever Unflavored Tobacco List; products not on the list are ineligible for sale
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the publication of the first-ever Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL), listing unflavored tobacco products lawful for sale under California’s flavored tobacco restrictions. Any covered tobacco product not appearing on the UTL is deemed a flavored tobacco product and ineligible for sale.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai