Philippine BIR Seizes 560,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Nationwide Raids, $7.1 Million in Tax Evasion Detected

Dec.03.2024
Philippine BIR Seizes 560,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Nationwide Raids, $7.1 Million in Tax Evasion Detected
The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has confiscated over 560,000 illegal e-cigarette products and shuttered 817 stores in a nationwide crackdown. The total tax evasion amount is estimated at $7.1 million.

On December 3, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of the Philippines reported that, following a month-long crackdown on illegal e-cigarette retailers and distributors, a total of 817 shops were raided. During the operation, 563,284 e-cigarette products were seized, with a total tax amount of approximately PHP 415 million (about $7.1 million), including fines. 

 

These figures cover raids conducted from October 16 to November 22 of this year. Common violations included the absence of internal tax stamps, failure to pay excise taxes, and unregistered e-cigarette brands.

 

菲律宾国税局报告:一个月内查获56万件非法电子烟,涉税金额达710万美元
BIR Launches Nationwide E-Cigarette Raids | Image Source: BIR Official Website

 

Earlier, BIR conducted a raid in Quezon City at a vape shop offering illegal e-cigarettes through a "secret menu," where customers could browse and order products from the store's back warehouse.

 

菲律宾国税局报告:一个月内查获56万件非法电子烟,涉税金额达710万美元
BIR Launches Nationwide E-Cigarette Raids | Image Source: BIR Official Website

 

Additionally, BIR has received complaints about illegal online sales of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The report indicates that, due to BIR’s regular raids on warehouses and physical stores, some retailers and distributors have shifted to selling e-cigarettes online.

 

"All online platforms and e-marketplaces should not offer for sale all illicit vape. Take them down. Block the online sellers from doing business in your platforms. Check for other keywords or phrases that these criminals use to hide or mask what they are really selling in your platforms," Lumagui said.

 

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