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

BAT Japan rolls out limited-edition “Rose Quartz” colourway for glo Hilo, launches new virto click-capsule flavour
BAT Japan rolls out limited-edition “Rose Quartz” colourway for glo Hilo, launches new virto click-capsule flavour
British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan will introduce its first Valentine’s-season limited-edition colourway, “Rose Quartz,” for the glo Hilo heated tobacco device lineup, covering both the glo Hilo and glo Hilo Plus. The devices are priced at JPY 3,980 (about $25.2) and JPY 6,980 (about $44.1), respectively, and will go on sale via official channels from Feb. 9. BAT Japan will also launch a new glo Hilo-compatible virto tobacco stick variant, “virto Bright Cherry Click,” on Feb. 2.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cambodian's Phnom Penh Military Police continue crackdown after 300,000-device raid
Cambodian's Phnom Penh Military Police continue crackdown after 300,000-device raid
Phnom Penh Military Police said they have continued cracking down on locations selling electronic devices used for smoking chemicals, following a major raid last week that confiscated 300,000 electronic smoking devices.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Heated tobacco brand DIITO launches in Mongolia
Heated tobacco brand DIITO launches in Mongolia
A new heat-not-burn (HNB) brand, DIITO, has commenced promotional activities in the Mongolian market. The device features an integrated display panel and supports dual heating modes, "RELAX" and "RUSH." Investigations reveal that DIITO’s local promotion closely overlaps with RELX’s official distribution channels. Furthermore, the DIITO trademark is held by the UK-based REAZEN TECH LIMITED, a company that also manages the e-cigarette brand FASTA.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
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
Hampshire Trading Standards Seizes £138,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes and Tobacco in 2025
Hampshire Trading Standards Seizes £138,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes and Tobacco in 2025
According to Hampshire County Council, its Trading Standards team confiscated 116,000 illegal vape and tobacco products in 2025, worth an estimated £138,000 — a record annual haul.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama’s Senate approved SB9 by a 31–1 vote, expanding existing indoor smoking restrictions to include vaping in a wide range of public places. The bill keeps the current $25 fine, renames the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, and now heads to the House. If enacted, it would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai