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

Interpreting FDA’s on! PLUS Authorization: What the Agency’s Press Release Reveals About Its Nicotine Pouch Review Model

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that six on! PLUS nicotine pouch products have received Marketing Granted Orders (MGO) through the PMTA pathway. The authorizations were completed under the agency’s nicotine pouch review pilot program in “record time,” with the FDA citing lower levels of harmful constituents while stressing that the decision applies only to the specified products and does not mean they are safe or FDA approved.

Regulations

Dec.20

Belgium seizes 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025 after sales ban took effect

Belgium’s Federal Public Health Service said it has seized 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025. The crackdown follows a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes that came into force on January 1.

Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai

British American Tobacco Introduces Facial Age Verification in Italy, Pilot Covers 119 Stores

British American Tobacco’s Italian unit is partnering with digital identity firm Yoti to pilot facial-scan age verification at 119 pop-up stores nationwide, aiming to supplement traditional ID checks and prevent underage purchases of tobacco and nicotine products.

Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai

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