Philippine Tax Bureau Cracks Down on E-cigarette Online Sales

Jun.11.2024

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.

References:

[1] BIR cracks down on online sale of illicit vape

Also Read:

[1] Philippine Standard Authority Issues First PS License to E-Cigarette Manufacturers

[2] Review Urged for Philippines Senate Bill No. 11990 on E-Cigarettes

[3] Philippines to Implement New Vape Regulations on June, 3 Companies Already Applied for Registration

[4] BIR Continues Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette and Cigarette Trade

[5] Philippine President Marcos Orders Crackdown on Tobacco and E-cigarette Smuggling

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

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.

Special Report

Nov.24

2Firsts Interview with IBVTA: UK Vape Tax May Weaken Harm Reduction Efforts

As the UK prepares to introduce its first-ever vape tax in 2026, questions are growing about how the measure will reshape the country’s harm reduction landscape. IBVTA tells 2Firsts that while it was not in favour of the new duty, it accepts that it is being implemented and is working with regulators to ensure a smooth rollout — warning, however, that higher costs could slow smokers’ transition to safer alternatives.

Oct.07

Scandinavian Tobacco Group Reports Q3 2025 Results and Narrows Full-Year Guidance

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) reported net sales of DKK 2.4 billion for Q3 2025, in line with last year. EBITDA before special items reached DKK 519 million with a 22.0% margin. Handmade Cigars and Next Generation Products saw organic growth, while Machine-Rolled Cigars and Smoking Tobacco declined. The company narrowed its full-year guidance.

Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai

PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in the Philippines, Debuts via Official Stores and Online Channels