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

China National Tobacco Corp paid $222 bln into state finances in 2025
China National Tobacco Corp paid $222 bln into state finances in 2025
China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC) paid a record $222 billion into China’s state finances in 2025, according to official industry data.
Special Report
Jan.23
Russia to Start Extrajudicial Blocking of Sites Selling Tobacco and Nicotine Products Online From March 1
Russia to Start Extrajudicial Blocking of Sites Selling Tobacco and Nicotine Products Online From March 1
Russia will introduce an extrajudicial (non-court) blocking mechanism starting March 1, 2026, allowing authorities to block websites selling tobacco and nicotine-containing products online without a court order. State Duma member Anton Nemkin said the change will place offending sites directly onto the prohibited information registry, speeding up enforcement, reducing the court burden, and increasing platform obligations to proactively monitor content.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Denver’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Faces Constitutional Challenge From Vape Trade Group
Denver’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Faces Constitutional Challenge From Vape Trade Group
A Colorado vape industry trade group says Denver’s voter-approved flavored tobacco sales ban is unconstitutional and too vague to enforce. The group is asking a state court for a permanent injunction blocking enforcement of Ordinance 24-1765 and for a declaration allowing flavored tobacco and vape sales, citing state constitutional vagueness concerns and multiple U.S. constitutional issues.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have announced adjustments to export tax rebate policies, placing nicotine-containing non-combustible inhalation products within the scope of items subject to rebate cancellation. The measures will take effect from April 1, 2026.
Regulations
Jan.10
BBC survey: over half of secondary teachers in England say vaping is a problem at their school
BBC survey: over half of secondary teachers in England say vaping is a problem at their school
Granville Academy in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has joined a county pilot overseen by Derbyshire County Council that puts pupils in charge of reducing vaping in school. After reports of pupils stealing vapes, vaping in toilets and using them while walking home, the school found detentions were not effective and shifted to peer-led education sessions, assemblies and health-warning signage.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
China’s e-cigarette industry is adjusting to a major policy shift. From April 1, 2026, China will scrap the 13% export VAT rebate on e-cigarette products, a move affecting manufacturers centered in Shenzhen. Industry participants told 2Firsts the change is forcing a reassessment of pricing and capacity, with competition shifting toward cash flow resilience, regulatory compliance, and multi-location strategies.
Industry Insight
Jan.16