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

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