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

After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
China’s e-cigarette industry is adjusting to a major policy shift. From April 1, 2026, China will scrap the 13% export VAT rebate on e-cigarette products, a move affecting manufacturers centered in Shenzhen. Industry participants told 2Firsts the change is forcing a reassessment of pricing and capacity, with competition shifting toward cash flow resilience, regulatory compliance, and multi-location strategies.
Industry Insight
Jan.16
Focus on Regulation and Taxation: EVO NXT 2026 Provides Strategic Guidance for Decision-Makers
Focus on Regulation and Taxation: EVO NXT 2026 Provides Strategic Guidance for Decision-Makers
The NGP industry faces rising innovation pressure, growing consumer demand and intensifying regulatory dynamics. Sustainable growth now depends on reliable market intelligence, strong partnerships and structured dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders. On 17–18 April 2026 in Prague, EVO NXT will convene manufacturers, retailers, distributors and industry experts for strategic exchange, with this year’s conference placing regulation and taxation firmly at the center of discussion.
Mar.02
PMI AI White Paper Warns of “Cognitive Atrophy” and Attention Erosion, Calls for Focus on Human Cognition’s Evolution
PMI AI White Paper Warns of “Cognitive Atrophy” and Attention Erosion, Calls for Focus on Human Cognition’s Evolution
Philip Morris International (PMI) has released a white paper calling for cross-sector dialogue on how AI may affect human cognitive abilities. The paper flags risks including “cognitive atrophy” and attention erosion, and warns of a widening cognitive divide and rising pressures on information verification and trust.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Commissioner Stresses “Predictability” as Science Chief Addresses Industry Uncertainty
FDA Commissioner Stresses “Predictability” as Science Chief Addresses Industry Uncertainty
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary briefly appeared at the February 10 PMTA roundtable, underscoring the importance of regulatory predictability. At the close of the session, Office of Science Director Matthew Farrelly responded to industry concerns over review uncertainty, stating the agency will issue a written summary of feedback, while reiterating that no fixed quantitative risk benchmark governs authorization decisions.
Feb.11
RJ Reynolds asks ITC to investigate alleged vape restriction violations by Heaven Gifts network
RJ Reynolds asks ITC to investigate alleged vape restriction violations by Heaven Gifts network
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to open a Section 337 investigation into Heaven Gifts International — the umbrella company behind Elf Bars and Geek Bars — its subsidiaries and nine U.S. distributors.
Jan.16 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