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

China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
Shanghai Tobacco Group Co., Ltd., a tobacco manufacturing company under China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), has launched a public tender for heated tobacco products (HTPs) production utility equipment at its Shanghai Cigarette Factory. The project is valued at CNY 10.98 million and covers six combined air-conditioning units, electrical cabinets and control systems for production facilities. The procurement includes equipment design, supply, installation, commissioning and related training services.
Aug.07
U.S. Appeals Court Says BAT Must Face Class Action Over Cigarette Labels
U.S. Appeals Court Says BAT Must Face Class Action Over Cigarette Labels
A U.S. appeals court ruled that British American Tobacco (BAT) must continue facing a consumer class action lawsuit over cigarette labels. The ruling allows the case to proceed but does not determine that BAT violated the law or is liable for damages. The case highlights ongoing legal risks facing major tobacco companies related to product labeling, consumer disclosures and product liability claims.
Jul.31
Malaysia Police Seize RM12.7 Million in Illegal Vapes and Cigarettes as Probe Points to Sea Shipments From China
Malaysia Police Seize RM12.7 Million in Illegal Vapes and Cigarettes as Probe Points to Sea Shipments From China
Police in Malaysia’s Selangor state seized illegal vape products and contraband cigarettes worth about RM12.7 million (approximately $3 million) in two enforcement operations. According to New Straits Times and The Star, the vape-related operation uncovered 131,036 boxes of vape products, 4,900 bottles of e-liquid and 25,510 vape devices, valued at about RM9.4 million. Police said preliminary investigations indicated that some illegal vape products entered Malaysia through sea shipments from China before moving through storage and distribution networks.
Aug.10
China Tobacco Zhejiang files patent for pressure-triggered, on-demand oral nicotine release
China Tobacco Zhejiang files patent for pressure-triggered, on-demand oral nicotine release
China Tobacco Zhejiang Industrial Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application for an oral nicotine delivery product designed to let users actively adjust nicotine release. The product embeds two types of nicotine reservoirs with different wall thicknesses and positions inside a deformable matrix. Pressure applied with the tongue or lips can rupture the reservoirs and accelerate nicotine release. In simulated oral tests, several patent examples showed sharply higher peak nicotine release rates as applied force increased from 0 N to 1 N and 3 N. The filing explores a shift from preset release profiles toward user-triggered nicotine delivery.
Sep.01
China Tobacco Yunnan files patent for cellulose-free nicotine pouch scaffold to replace microcrystalline cellulose
China Tobacco Yunnan files patent for cellulose-free nicotine pouch scaffold to replace microcrystalline cellulose
China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application for a cellulose-free scaffold material for nicotine pouches, proposing a combination of bioceramic material, polydextrose and sugar alcohols to replace conventional microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose derivatives. The filing aims to address issues including powdery mouthfeel, residue and limited release control, while also reducing reliance on existing cellulose-based patent portfolios. In patent examples, one fast-release formulation reached a nicotine release rate of 50% at 10 minutes and more than 90% at 20 minutes.
Sep.02
EU ‘TPD3’ Enters Next Phase on Aug. 14 as Fragmented Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules Push the Single Market Toward Regulatory Overhaul
EU ‘TPD3’ Enters Next Phase on Aug. 14 as Fragmented Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules Push the Single Market Toward Regulatory Overhaul
A 12-week European Commission consultation on revising the Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Advertising Directive is due to close on Aug. 14, 2026. The Commission has identified e-cigarette flavours, disposable vapes, tobacco heating devices, nicotine pouches, nicotine-free e-cigarettes, packaging and digital marketing among areas for possible new EU rules. National regulations already vary significantly across the bloc, a fragmentation the Commission says creates internal-market barriers and distorts competition. No formal revised TPD/TAD legislative text has yet been published, with the Commission currently indicating December 2026 for the legislative initiative.
Aug.14