Philippine Tax Bureau Cracks Down on E-cigarette Online Sales

Jun.11.2024
Philippine Tax Bureau Cracks Down on E-cigarette Online Sales
BIR chief warns online platforms and consumers on e-cigarette tax compliance, cracking down on illegal sellers.

According to a report by Bilyonaryo on June 11th, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines, Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., issued a stern reminder to online platforms and consumers that the online sale of e-cigarette products must comply with tax stamps, minimum prices, and other requirements of the tax authorities. Lumagui emphasized that only registered businesses are allowed to sell e-cigarette products on online platforms.


Lumagui revealed that the Bureau of Internal Revenue is actively monitoring online and offline businesses to see if they have violated any relevant regulations.


Online platforms should regulate their e-cigarette retailers to ensure they comply with tax stamps, minimum pricing, and other tax bureau requirements. If any violations are found in online posts or products, they should be taken down immediately.


Lumagui stated that they have received reports that some online sellers of e-cigarettes are not paying taxes, leading to lower prices for their products.


These illegal online sellers of e-cigarettes have disrupted the livelihoods of legitimate e-cigarette sellers.


Furthermore, the agency plans to continue cracking down on the illegal sales of e-cigarettes by strengthening oversight and coordinating with other government departments.


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

Over 160 organizations urge Formula 1 to end all tobacco sponsorships, including nicotine pouches
Over 160 organizations urge Formula 1 to end all tobacco sponsorships, including nicotine pouches
On March 4, 2026, more than 160 public interest organizations worldwide sent a letter to Formula 1 urging it to expand its 2006 prohibition on cigarette sponsorships to include nicotine pouches and other tobacco products. The letter states that Philip Morris International sponsors Ferrari to promote ZYN pouches, while British American Tobacco sponsors McLaren with its Velo brand, with logos displayed on cars and drivers’ race suits and promoted on social media.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Regulate Nicotine Pouches as Tobacco Products
Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Regulate Nicotine Pouches as Tobacco Products
The Oregon Senate voted 26–1 to pass Senate Bill 1571, a measure redefining tobacco products to include nicotine pouches and restricting their sale to individuals under 21.
Regulations
Feb.23
Bangladesh High Court rule targets vape-ban clause; fines up to about $1,635 cited
Bangladesh High Court rule targets vape-ban clause; fines up to about $1,635 cited
Bangladesh’s High Court issued a rule asking why Section 6(G) of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 — which bans the import, supply and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes — should not be declared unconstitutional and illegal.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cambodia Siem Reap raid seizes over 10,000 e-cigarette items; two arrested
Cambodia Siem Reap raid seizes over 10,000 e-cigarette items; two arrested
Police in Siem Reap, Cambodia, seized 10,168 items of e-cigarette paraphernalia during a raid on February 28, 2026, and arrested two suspected sellers and owners of the premises.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians traveling to Mexico should avoid packing e-cigarettes or vaping devices, citing Canada’s travel advisory warning that tourists have been banned from bringing such items into Mexico since 2025. The advisory says customs officials could confiscate the items upon arrival and travelers could be fined or detained.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai