The Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Philippines has vowed to intensify its crackdown on illegal e-cigarette products, the Manila Bulletin reported on 21 October. The agency plans to conduct weekly surprise inspections of retailers nationwide to combat the distribution of illegal products.
BIR Director Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. announced this proactive measure. He said: "I have ordered raids on illegal e-cigarette retailers in all locations on a weekly basis. Without illegal e-cigarette retailers or distributors, there would be no illegal e-cigarette smugglers".
This directive was issued following a successful nationwide crackdown on 16 October that resulted in the closure of 408 retail outlets selling counterfeit or unregistered e-cigarette products.
These illegal retailers often commit violations such as lacking internal tax identification numbers and failing to register e-cigarette products with the BIR. The number of e-cigarette products seized is still being tallied. Lumakwi said the BIR will continue to conduct regular surveillance and raids to dismantle the illegal e-cigarette trade network.
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