Philippine Customs Seizes $120M Worth of Smuggled e-Cigarettes

Oct.07.2024

Philippine customs seized smuggled e-cigarette products worth 6.5 billion pesos in 11 months, cracking down on illegal activities.

According to a report by Philstar on October 7th, the Philippine customs authorities seized smuggled e-cigarette products worth 6.5 billion pesos (approximately 120 million US dollars) within 11 months.

Leon Mogao Jr., head of the Customs Investigation Department, announced this Saturday (October 5th) that from October 2023 to August of this year, Philippine customs have conducted a total of 36 operations targeting illegal e-cigarette products. These operations were primarily carried out in Manila Port, Manila International Container Port, Clark Port, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio pointed out that these achievements demonstrate the agency's commitment to combating smuggling activities and protecting consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful products.

References:

[1] P6.5 billion vapes seized in 11 months

Also Read:

[1] Revised Regulations on Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Vaping Products

[2] Philippine Airline bans Chinese passenger for smoking on flight

[3] Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue Raises Tobacco Prices Mandate

[4] DTI Initiates Legal Action Against Four E-Cigarette Brands Including RELX, Flare

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

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

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

[8] New Guidelines for Handling Seized Goods by Philippines Tax Bureau

#E-cigarettes #Asia #Philippines #Customs

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

Product | Up to 100,000 Puffs and Over 2,000 Puffs per ml: MASKKING, MR FOG, HYPERBAR Roll Out Ultra High-Puff New Devices

In 2025, disposable vapes are shifting from a “puff count race” to a focus on user experience. While 30,000–50,000 puffs has become mainstream, brands like MASKKING, MR FOG, and HYPERBAR are still launching higher-capacity products in the 60,000–100,000 puff range. Models with disclosed tank sizes all exceed 2,000 puffs per mL and commonly feature adjustable wattage and enhanced interactive functions.

Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Bloomberg-Backed Campaign Wins as Denver Votes to Ban Flavored Nicotine

Denver voters have upheld the city’s ban on flavored nicotine products—including fruity vapes and menthol cigarettes—with 72% in favor during the Nov. 4 election. The “Yes on 310” campaign, backed by $5 million from Michael Bloomberg, celebrated the result as a major victory for youth health. Opponents, mostly local vape shop owners, warned of economic harm and called the spending imbalance unfair.

Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai

PMI Launches New ZYN Nicotine Pouch in the Philippines, Available Simultaneously at IQOS Stores and on the Official Website

PMI’s Philippine affiliate, PMFTC, has launched the new ZYN Bright Green 1.5 mg nicotine pouch in Manila with refreshed packaging, calling it the latest step in the company’s “smoke-free” transition initiated in 2016. The product will be available starting in November at IQOS stores across Metro Manila and on the official website.

Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

UK to Implement e-cigarette Product Tax and Stamp Plan from October 1, 2026

HMRC announces e-cigarette tax stamp plan to combat illicit trade starting October 1, 2026 alongside VPD policy enforcement.