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

FDA Highlights Product Characterization as a Foundational Requirement in ENDS PMTA Reviews
FDA Highlights Product Characterization as a Foundational Requirement in ENDS PMTA Reviews
During its ongoing PMTA roundtable, FDA emphasized that product characterization is a foundational element in the review of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The agency underscored the need for complete product identifying information, validation and verification of test methods on the specific product type, and the appropriate use of tobacco product master files (TPMFs) to support complex or proprietary ingredients in PMTA submissions.
Feb.10
Small ENDS Manufacturers Press FDA on Abuse Liability Standards as Agency Defines Pharmacological Review Framework
Small ENDS Manufacturers Press FDA on Abuse Liability Standards as Agency Defines Pharmacological Review Framework
At the third session of its PMTA roundtable, the FDA outlined its framework for assessing abuse liability in ENDS products, emphasizing the role of nicotine pharmacokinetics and product-specific data in APPH determinations. Small manufacturers questioned the high cost of clinical PK studies and the absence of defined numeric thresholds, while raising bridging strategies and PBPK modeling as potential alternatives.
Feb.11
South Korea’s appeal court again sides with KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea in $36.24 million case
South Korea’s appeal court again sides with KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea in $36.24 million case
South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has again lost on appeal in its damages lawsuit against KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea, seeking ₩53.3 billion (about $36.244 million).
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | EU Confirms End of Tobacco Policy Expert Group, Explores New Cooperation Structures as TPD Revision Continues
Exclusive | EU Confirms End of Tobacco Policy Expert Group, Explores New Cooperation Structures as TPD Revision Continues
2Firsts reporting shows that, as the European Union moves toward a future evaluation of its tobacco legislation, the Tobacco Policy Expert Group—long a key platform for coordination among Member States—formally concluded its mandate at the end of 2025. At the same time, the European Commission is exploring new cooperation structures to address the resulting institutional gap.
Jan.22
Buenos Aires Province issues health alert over growing use and promotion of nicotine pouches
Buenos Aires Province issues health alert over growing use and promotion of nicotine pouches
The Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires issued a health alert to the public and health teams over increased circulation, promotion and consumption of nicotine pouches. It said the disposable oral products dissolve in the mouth without combustion or vapor and are marketed as tobacco-free, but contain nicotine and have a high addictive potential.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Compatible with 3ml/2ml Pods and Up to 45W Output: RELX Launches a New Open-System E-Cigarette on Its Indonesia Website
Product | Compatible with 3ml/2ml Pods and Up to 45W Output: RELX Launches a New Open-System E-Cigarette on Its Indonesia Website
RELX has launched the open-system RELX Prime Pro on its Indonesia website and has also rolled it out across multiple local e-commerce channels. According to publicly available product pages, the device is rated at up to 45W, features a 1350mAh battery, and is compatible with 3ml and 2ml pod capacities.
Dec.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai