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

Illicit Vape and Nicotine Pouch Seizures Concentrated in UK Hotspots, New Data Shows
Illicit Vape and Nicotine Pouch Seizures Concentrated in UK Hotspots, New Data Shows
Freedom of Information (FOI) data from the UK shows that more than 3,000 seizures of illegal nicotine products were recorded in the 2024/25 financial year, with Hull, Liverpool and Bolton emerging as the most active enforcement hotspots — highlighting that the problem of illicit vapes, nicotine pouches and smokeless tobacco products persists across many parts of the country.
Jun.16
Türkiye Records 4,163 E-Cigarette Smuggling Raids Over Five Years, With Seizures Worth TRY 1.84 Billion
Türkiye Records 4,163 E-Cigarette Smuggling Raids Over Five Years, With Seizures Worth TRY 1.84 Billion
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat disclosed enforcement figures on e-cigarette smuggling in response to a written parliamentary question. Over the past five years, Türkiye recorded 4,163 raids targeting e-cigarette smuggling, preventing illegal e-cigarettes, liquids and components worth TRY 1.84 billion, or about USD 40.68 million based on an exchange rate of USD 1 = TRY 45.2339, from reaching the market.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Defines Enforcement Focus for Unauthorized E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
FDA Defines Enforcement Focus for Unauthorized E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidance on May 8, 2026, titled “Enforcement Priorities for Certain New Tobacco Products Marketed Without Premarket Authorization.” The document describes FDA enforcement policies for certain electronic nicotine delivery system products and nicotine pouch products marketed without premarket authorization.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France Vape Market 2026: Use Reaches 7.9% Amid Tax, Regulatory and Scientific Debate
France Vape Market 2026: Use Reaches 7.9% Amid Tax, Regulatory and Scientific Debate
France remains one of Europe’s active vape markets in 2026, with adult vaping prevalence rising to 7.9%; at the same time, e-liquid taxation, public-space restrictions, advertising compliance and health-risk debate are pushing the industry into a critical policy period.
Jun.23
Product | Geek Bar Expands Meloso Lineup With the Launch of Meloso Max 2
Product | Geek Bar Expands Meloso Lineup With the Launch of Meloso Max 2
Geek Bar has added Meloso Max 2 to its official product lineup, further expanding its disposable vape portfolio. As the latest generation of the Meloso series, the new device introduces upgrades in endurance, device interaction and industrial design while reinforcing Geek Bar’s strategy of offering differentiated disposable products across multiple usage scenarios.
Jun.26
PMI Highlights 43 Million Smoke-Free Users at Stockholm Summit
PMI Highlights 43 Million Smoke-Free Users at Stockholm Summit
Philip Morris International says about 43 million adults worldwide now use its smoke-free products, with nearly 70% having stopped using cigarettes and smoke-free products accounting for about 43% of its net revenues.
Jun.18