Philippines BIR seizes over 500 illegal e-cigarette retailers with $3.09 million in tax liabilities

Nov.06.2024

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.

References:

[1] BIR catches 506 illicit vape resellers as of end October

Also Read:

[1] DTI suspends sales of 11 e-cigarette brands in the Philippines

[2] Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue to intensify crackdown on illegal e-cigarette products

[3] Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue struggles with declining tobacco revenue.

[4] Philippines BIR Launches Nationwide Raid on Illegal E-Cigarette Sellers

[5] Philippine Customs intercepts illegal shipment of marijuana e-cigarettes

[6] Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue Raises Tobacco Prices Mandate

[7] Philippine Customs Seizes $120M Worth of Smuggled e-Cigarettes

[8] Revised Regulations on Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Vaping Products

[9] Massive Smuggling Bust by Philippine Customs Authorities in Manila

[10] DTI Suspends Sales of 5 E-cigarette Brands in Philippines, Including LOST MARY, Chillax, SHFTDr.Freeze, Aerogin, Don Bars, Black Elite

[11] New Guidelines for Handling Seized Goods by Philippines Tax Bureau

#Law enforcement #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Philippines

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

Ireland Implements 50c per ml Tax on E-Liquids Starting Nov 1

From November 1, 2025, Ireland introduces a new E-liquid Products Tax (EPT), adding €0.50 per millilitre to all e-liquid products, including nicotine-free types. Signed into law by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, the measure targets youth vaping and requires suppliers to register with Revenue and pay duty at import, manufacturing, or distribution.

Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Lawmakers Push to Include E-Cigarettes in Vietnam’s Revised Investment Law Ban

Vietnam’s National Assembly has debated amendments to the Investment Law that would include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the list of prohibited business activities. Lawmakers supported a total ban consistent with WHO recommendations and previous National Assembly resolutions, citing rising youth addiction rates. Finance Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng confirmed that the ban would apply comprehensively, with a short transition period for foreign factories.

Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Illegal Market Surges After Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes; Telegram Becomes the Main Trading Channel

Since Kazakhstan banned e-cigarette sales in June 2024, transactions have gone underground, shifting to Telegram and some e-commerce platforms and making enforcement harder; related research indicates the ban has not significantly reduced demand.

Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Altria’s on!PLUS Nicotine Pouches Reportedly Available in U.S.; Users Say They Have Received Orders

Social media users reported purchasing Altria’s new nicotine pouch, on!PLUS, in the United States. 2Firsts found that the official on! website had temporarily opened online purchase and store locator functions. The product has not received FDA authorization. Around the same time, British American Tobacco (BAT) suspended its unlicensed Vuse One vape launch in the U.S. amid regulatory pressure.