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

Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers
Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers
A bill introduced in Singapore’s Parliament on Feb. 12 proposes major increases in penalties for vaping-related offences, including higher maximum fines for users, sellers and smugglers. The draft would also rename the current Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act as the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT’s Product Strategy Reset: A Structural Analysis of Its Post-FY2025 Competitive Architecture
BAT’s Product Strategy Reset: A Structural Analysis of Its Post-FY2025 Competitive Architecture
Drawing on BAT’s FY2025 results and earnings call, 2Firsts finds the company shifting from category expansion to competitive entrenchment across Vapour, Modern Oral, Heated Products and Combustibles. The strategy centers on connected devices, geographic customization and portfolio tiering. While structurally coherent, financial returns depend on consistent regulatory enforcement against illicit competitors, making policy execution a key variable for 2026 performance.
Feb.12
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens has begun selling vape products again in some U.S. stores, marking a notable reversal after the chain pulled vapes from shelves in 2019 amid concerns over youth use and health risks. Juul says it is expanding across thousands of Walgreens locations, and NJOY also lists Walgreens stores as retailers.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NYC makers turn discarded disposable vapes into “Vape Synth” mini digital instruments
NYC makers turn discarded disposable vapes into “Vape Synth” mini digital instruments
The report says disposable vapes are sold at more than 11 million units per month and often end up in landfills after flavored nicotine juice runs out, along with lithium-ion batteries, microcontrollers, and LEDs, increasing the risk of waste fires. A New York City maker trio known as Paper Bag Team has built “Vape Synth” by cracking open spent Elf Bar cartridges—specifically the EB BC5000—and hacking them into tiny digital instruments.
Feb.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian Sabah GOF seizes e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids worth over  USD 156,333 in seven-district operation
Malaysian Sabah GOF seizes e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids worth over USD 156,333 in seven-district operation
In Sabah, Malaysia’s General Operations Force (GOF) seized thousands of e-cigarette devices, vapes and e-liquids worth more than RM635,000 and detained 23 people during a simultaneous integrated operation across seven districts.
Jan.19 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