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

2Firsts “Decisive 2026” Concludes: Reviewing the 2025 U.S. Market and Mapping Compliance Pathways Ahead
2Firsts “Decisive 2026” Concludes: Reviewing the 2025 U.S. Market and Mapping Compliance Pathways Ahead
2Firsts hosted “Decisive 2026” in Shenzhen, bringing together industry perspectives to examine major shifts in the U.S. new tobacco market in 2025 and their global implications. Sessions covered U.S. market dynamics, technical insights from recently PMTA-authorized products, an investor lens on tobacco capital markets, and 2025 news/product highlights. The event underscored a structural shift from “gray business” toward compliance and sustainable growth, expected to become clearer by 2026.
Jan.09
British American Tobacco’s Irish unit says VELO pouch sales hit 29m, net revenue climbs to €33.75m
British American Tobacco’s Irish unit says VELO pouch sales hit 29m, net revenue climbs to €33.75m
British American Tobacco’s Irish subsidiary PJ Carroll & Co Ltd reported that sales of its Velo nicotine pouches nearly quintupled in 2024 to 29 million units, driving an 11% year-on-year increase in net revenue to €33.75 million. However, amid a heavy tax burden and declining traditional cigarette volumes, the company’s pre-tax profit fell 8% to €5.69 million.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Coral Springs, Florida Moves to Extend Ban on New Vape Shops as Number of Existing Stores Reaches 23
Coral Springs, Florida Moves to Extend Ban on New Vape Shops as Number of Existing Stores Reaches 23
Coral Springs, Florida is considering extending its six-month moratorium on new smoke and vape shops as it works to finalize zoning rules and regulatory measures in response to a rapid increase in such retailers in recent years. The city is already home to 23 smoke and vape shops.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines’ DTI Proposes Mandatory Advertising Permits for Vape Products
Philippines’ DTI Proposes Mandatory Advertising Permits for Vape Products
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released a draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) seeking public feedback on a new permitting system for advertising and promoting vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.
Dec.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | FLONQ Parent Company Launches New Vaping Brand ROQY: Two Hybrid-Nicotine Devices Debut in Russia
Product | FLONQ Parent Company Launches New Vaping Brand ROQY: Two Hybrid-Nicotine Devices Debut in Russia
Alfabet Labs, the parent company of FLONQ, has recently launched its new vaping brand ROQY in Russia, debuting two products: ROQY L and ROQY M. Both devices use a hybrid nicotine formulation combining nicotine salts and freebase nicotine and are each available in 19 flavors. The two products are now on sale via the official ROQY website as well as multiple online and offline retailers across Russia.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium: BAT plans to cut 51 jobs at Groot-Bijgaarden site
Belgium: BAT plans to cut 51 jobs at Groot-Bijgaarden site
British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced plans to cut 51 jobs at its Groot-Bijgaarden facility in Belgium, disclosed during a special works council meeting.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai