Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue Raises Tobacco Prices Mandate

Sep.18.2024

Philippine BIR prohibits selling e-cigarettes, cigarettes and heated tobacco below set minimum price, violators to face criminal charges.

According to a report by GMA Integrated News on September 18, the Philippines' Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has now prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and heated tobacco products at prices lower than those set by the tax authorities, which include a combination of consumption tax and value-added tax.

On September 16, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Regulation No. 16-2024, updating the latest floor prices for cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products.

Ma Guo reminded online sellers, retailers, and distributors of tobacco products that they will face criminal liability if they sell these products below the prescribed minimum price. He emphasized that selling these products below the minimum price is a criminal offense, and sellers will be sentenced to prison.

We are closely monitoring online platforms and physical stores. Do not sell products below the minimum price and immediately remove all posts and products priced below the minimum.

The latest rates for Revenue Regulation No. 16-2024 (RR No. 16-2024) are as follows:

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) stated that selling tobacco products at a price lower than the legally required comprehensive consumption and value-added tax is prohibited under Section 145 (C) of the amended National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

The agency also added that sellers who sell tobacco products below the specified base price "will be subjected to a fine of no less than 10 times the total amount of excise tax and value-added tax payable, but not less than 200,000 pesos (approximately $3,600) and not exceeding 500,000 pesos (approximately $9,000), and will be sentenced to imprisonment for no less than four years but not exceeding six years.

According to Article 263(A) of the revised National Internal Revenue Code, anyone selling heated tobacco products and vaping products at a price lower than the comprehensive consumption tax and value-added tax will be fined an amount equal to ten times the total amount of the consumption tax owed but not less than 200,000 pesos (approximately $3,600), and will also be sentenced to a minimum of four years but not more than six years in prison.

References:

[1] BIR bars sale of vape, cigarettes, heated tobacco below floor price

[2] Prescribing the updated floor price of Cigarette, Heated Tobacco, and Vapor Products pursuant to Sections 144 (B) and (C) and 145 (C) of the NIRC of 1997, as amended

Also Read:

[1] DTI-FTEB and PNP-CIDG Joint Operation in Tondo District

[2] DTI Suspends Sales of 5 E-cigarette Brands in Philippines, Including LOST MARY, Chillax, SHFTDr.Freeze, Aerogin, Don Bars, Black Elite

[3] Massive Smuggling Bust by Philippine Customs Authorities in Manila

[4] Philippine Customs Seizes 200 Marijuana E-cigarettes at Clark Port

[5] Philippine Customs Seizes $33.8k Worth of E-Cigarettes in Warehouses

[6] DTI Strengthens Enforcement of E-cigarette Law to Protect Minors

[7] BIR Blames Organizers for Illegal E-cigarette Raids at PVF

[8] BIR Raid on Philippines E-Cigarette Expo: Products Seized and Taxed.

[9] BIR's Raid on PVF 2024: Flava E-cigarette Products Seized

[10] Philippine Agencies Collaborate to Combat Illegal Drug-Containing E-Cigarettes

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #E-cigarettes #Asia #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

Belgium Plans to Ban All Vape Flavours Except Tobacco, Backed by Health Council

Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has announced plans to ban all e-cigarette flavours except tobacco, following new advice from the Superior Health Council (CSS). The move marks a major policy shift, as the Council now fully supports flavour restrictions to curb youth vaping.

Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Tasmania, Australia Will Introduce New Laws Targeting Illegal Vape and Tobacco Retailers

Tasmania will introduce new laws next year to tackle the illegal trade in tobacco and vapes. The legislation will strengthen penalties, allow inspectors to issue on-the-spot fines and shut down non-compliant retailers, and enhance coordination between police and health authorities.

Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Saratov Governor Supports Russian Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarette Sales

Governor of Saratov Oblast, announced on his official Telegram channel that he fully supports a nationwide ban on the sale of e-cigarettes. Busargin noted that while restrictions on such products have long been in place, enforcement remains weak and health experts continue to warn of the risks posed to children. He stressed that economic interests must not outweigh public health and said Saratov is ready to enforce a ban once regional powers are granted.

Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2FIRSTS Data Insight｜China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand

China’s vape exports to the U.S. surged to a record $590 million in October 2025—nearly double the usual monthly level and pushing the U.S. share above 50% of China’s global shipments.But the spike was not driven by demand. Instead, it reflected a temporary release created by tightened U.S. enforcement, a collapsed logistics pathway, and a bullwhip-style surge in replenishment.The peak signals more volatility ahead, not recovery.