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

ZYN Nicotine Pouches Seek MRTP Authorization; FDA Sets January Meeting

The U.S. FDA has scheduled a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting for January 22, 2026, to review Swedish Match USA’s Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) applications for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products. Although the products gained PMTA authorization in early 2025, MRTP approval is required for marketing them with reduced-risk claims.

Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Two Malaysian Men Charged Over Illegal Import of Vape Items at Singapore Checkpoint

Two Malaysian men arrested for illegally importing e-cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint, facing charges, court hearing on December 15. (20 words)

Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philippines police seize $200k worth of illegal e-cigarette products, arrest 2 suspects

Philippine police in Cavite seize $200,000 worth of illegal e-cigarette products, arresting two suspects. Crackdown on smuggling intensifies.

Oct.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Australia Leads COP11 Seminars as Exploding Illicit Tobacco Market Raises Questions

Australia sent a delegation to COP11 in Switzerland and is leading three major seminars to showcase its vape and tobacco control policies. But at home, illicit cigarette sales are skyrocketing amid record-high taxes, drawing criticism from the tobacco industry and prompting doubts over policy effectiveness.