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

Al Fakher Partners with U.S. Rapper Snoop Dogg to Launch New Hookah Flavors

According to Business Wire, AIR Limited has partnered with Snoop Dogg to develop new hookah flavors for its flagship brand Al Fakher. The products will be released on November 3, 2025, across international and German online platforms, expanding the brand’s flavor portfolio.

Nov.21

Canadian Media Investigation: BAT’s Nicotine Pouch ZONNIC Sparks Ongoing Controversy as Regulatory Gaps in Canada Come Under Scrutiny

Canadian outlet Rebel News released a long-form video report examining Canada’s regulatory framework for nicotine pouches, market dynamics, and the approval process of ZONNIC, a product of BAT subsidiary Imperial Tobacco Canada. The report highlights issues involving youth access, regulatory gaps, black-market activity, retailer feedback, and company responses. This article summarizes key points based on the video.

Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai

PMI Japan Unveils Limited-Edition IQOS ILUMA i “Galaxy Blue,” Priced Around $47

Philip Morris Japan announced it will release the limited-edition IQOS ILUMA i “Galaxy Blue” across IQOS stores nationwide starting October 29, priced at JPY 6,980 including tax (about USD 47). The new model features a space-themed design, with a members-only promotion to run at the Nagoya IQOS store.

Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Tobacco-Free Kids Condemns PMI for Marketing Zyn to Youth via F1 Sponsorship

Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, issued a statement on December 10, 2025, condemning Philip Morris International (PMI) for partnering with Ferrari to promote Zyn nicotine pouches on Formula 1 cars. She said PMI’s claim that the sponsorship targets adults is misleading, as F1’s audience has become increasingly young—with over 4 million children aged 8–12 now following the sport.