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

PMI Showcases ZYN, IQOS and U.S. Investments at NACS Show 2026
PMI Showcases ZYN, IQOS and U.S. Investments at NACS Show 2026
At the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, Philip Morris International (PMI) showcased its ZYN nicotine pouches, IQOS heated tobacco products and U.S. investments. A 2Firsts review of FDA records found that several ZYN products displayed at the booth were not on the agency's marketing authorization list, including certain nicotine strengths and flavors. A PMI booth representative also confirmed that IQOS is currently sold in three U.S. states, while the newer IQOS ILUMA system remains under FDA review.
EXPO
Oct.10
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
On September 16, 2Firsts hosted a China-focused industry forum during InterTabac in Dortmund, bringing together more than 30 participants from North America, Europe, India, South Korea and other markets. The session covered traditional tobacco, next-generation products, exports, technology, regulation and supply chains, while examining how China’s tobacco sector operates, where its transformation may be heading, and why its growing role matters increasingly to companies across the global tobacco and nicotine industry.
Sep.21
Wall Street Journal: U.S. FDA Plans Faster Vape and Nicotine Pouch Reviews, Revisit of 2021 PMTA Rule
Wall Street Journal: U.S. FDA Plans Faster Vape and Nicotine Pouch Reviews, Revisit of 2021 PMTA Rule
The Trump administration is preparing changes intended to accelerate FDA market authorization reviews for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, according to The Wall Street Journal. The FDA is expected to revisit its 2021 PMTA rule and may simplify some scientific study requirements and shorten review times. The agency has not formally announced the changes. Over the past year, the FDA has already accelerated nicotine-pouch reviews, expanded ENDS authorizations and upgraded its CTP Portal NextGen application system. As of August 2026, 43 nicotine pouch products and 48 e-cigarette products had received FDA marketing authorization.
Sep.24
Product | PMI Launches ZYN Melts in UK, Extending ZYN Beyond Nicotine Pouches Into Dissolvable Tablets
Product | PMI Launches ZYN Melts in UK, Extending ZYN Beyond Nicotine Pouches Into Dissolvable Tablets
Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched ZYN Melts in the UK, introducing a fully dissolvable oral nicotine tablet format alongside the brand's existing nicotine pouches. The range includes Cool Mint and Peppermint, each offered at 1mg and 2mg of nicotine per tablet, creating four SKUs. Each can contains 20 tablets and is priced at £6.50 in the UK. Unlike ZYN nicotine pouches, Melts are placed between the upper lip and gum and dissolve completely during use.
News
Sep.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
U.S. Military Could Test Nicotine Pouches and Vapes for Smoking Cessation as Washington Examiner Cites ZYN and Potential $4 Billion Reduction in Related Defense Costs
U.S. Military Could Test Nicotine Pouches and Vapes for Smoking Cessation as Washington Examiner Cites ZYN and Potential $4 Billion Reduction in Related Defense Costs
The House-passed FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision authorizing the defense secretary to conduct a one-year smoking-cessation pilot for active-duty service members. Section 707 lists counseling, nicotine gum and patches alongside what the bill calls "electric nicotine delivery systems," nicotine pouches and heat-not-burn products. A recent Washington Examiner op-ed cited ZYN as an example in arguing for the provision, but the legislation does not name any commercial brand or supplier. ZYN is made by PMI-owned Swedish Match USA, with specified products holding FDA marketing authorizations and modified risk orders.
Sep.20
Elf Bar Vape Explosion and Amputation Claim Spurs Coverage Suit, U.S. Insurer MUSIC Seeks Ruling It Owes No Duty to Defend or Indemnify Distributor i5
Elf Bar Vape Explosion and Amputation Claim Spurs Coverage Suit, U.S. Insurer MUSIC Seeks Ruling It Owes No Duty to Defend or Indemnify Distributor i5
Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company has asked a federal court in Washington to declare that it has no duty to defend or indemnify vape distributor i5 Distribution in a product liability case involving an Elf Bar BC5000. The plaintiff alleges that the disposable vape caught fire and exploded in his pocket, causing severe burns and ultimately requiring an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg. MUSIC is relying on a tobacco, nicotine or nicotine replacement products exclusion and a premises limitation endorsement. The court has not ruled on the coverage dispute.
News
Sep.10