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

Philip Morris and BAT’s Nicoventures Win EPO Appeal to Revoke VMR Vape Patent
Philip Morris and BAT’s Nicoventures Win EPO Appeal to Revoke VMR Vape Patent
The EPO Technical Board of Appeal 3.2.02 (T 1319/24) revoked VMR Products LLC’s EP3613453 “VAPORIZER” patent after finding that a 2012 YouTube video of the Innokin iTaste VV (D3) disclosed the claimed electrical contact arrangement. Opponents Nicoventures Trading Ltd (BAT subsidiary) and Philip Morris Products S.A. prevailed.
BATPMI
Feb.17
Indonesian vape retailers’ association tells members to halt sales to under-21 customers
Indonesian vape retailers’ association tells members to halt sales to under-21 customers
The Indonesian Vape Retailers Association (Arvindo) has instructed all member stores to stop selling electronic cigarettes to customers under 21. Arvindo said it issued an official circular requiring vape shops to display 21+ signage and to ask customers for valid identification.
Feb.26
UK reminds vaping firms to apply for new excise duty registration from April 2026
UK reminds vaping firms to apply for new excise duty registration from April 2026
HMRC has issued a reminder urging vaping manufacturers, importers and warehouse operators to prepare for registration under the UK’s new Vaping Products Duty, with applications opening in April 2026 and the duty taking effect in October.
Feb.10
PMI U.S. to Invest About USD 50 Million in New Business Solutions Center in Tampa
PMI U.S. to Invest About USD 50 Million in New Business Solutions Center in Tampa
On March 17, PMI U.S. announced an investment of about USD 50 million in a new Business Solutions Center in Tampa, Florida. The center is expected to create about 180 direct and indirect high-skilled jobs and will consolidate business solutions, distribution operations and customer service into one hub.
Mar.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)
European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)
A European study cited in the report says the share of young people aged 15 to 19 who are current e-cigarette users increased from 14% in 2019 to 22% in 2024, with Italy reflecting the broader European pattern. Over the same period, conventional cigarette smoking among young people is described as declining, with the proportion of students who have smoked at least once in their lifetime falling sharply from 1995 to 2024, and the largest drop occurring between 2019 and 2024.
Feb.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMJ Expands SENTIA Tobacco Stick Lineup, Adds Blueberry Menthol Capsule Flavor
PMJ Expands SENTIA Tobacco Stick Lineup, Adds Blueberry Menthol Capsule Flavor
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) announced that it will launch “SENTIA Purple Capsule,” the first capsule-equipped product in its SENTIA lineup dedicated to the heated tobacco “IQOS ILUMA” series, as an early release in Japan. The product will roll out nationwide starting from IQOS Stores, and will enter tobacco retail channels nationwide from April 6.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai