Philippines DTI Orders E-Commerce Platforms to Take Down Illegal E-Cigarettes Within 7 Days or Face Heavy Penalties

Key Points:

• The DTI ordered e-commerce platforms to immediately remove uncertified or untaxed e-cigarette products.
• Platforms must take down offending webpages, listings, or apps within seven days; violators face heavy penalties or possible suspension of operations.
• The government has also announced hotlines for reporting violations and channels for consumer complaints.

According to Manila Times (August 18), the DTI stated on social media that some online sellers were offering uncertified e-cigarette products.

The department noted:

“These products lack the required excise tax stamps or fiscal marks, as well as the Philippine Standard (PS) mark, in violation of Republic Act (RA) 11900 Section 4(d) and Section 18, the Standards Law (RA 4109), and Department Administrative Order No. 02 of 2007.”

All e-commerce and digital platforms are required to remove the pages, listings, or apps of merchants found selling illegal or uncertified e-cigarettes within seven days.

Retailers were reminded to comply with RA 11900 and the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (RA 11967), which prohibit the sale and promotion of regulated goods online unless sellers provide the necessary permits, licenses, and information.

DTI emphasized:

“Platforms must ensure that all sellers are contractually obligated to comply with applicable sales procedures, restrictions, and legal or local government requirements.”

Penalties for violations include:

RA 11900: PHP 100,000–400,000 (approx. USD 1,700–6,800)

RA 11967: PHP 20,000–1,000,000 (approx. USD 340–17,000)

Consumer Act: PHP 500–300,000 (approx. USD 8.5–5,100)

Other relevant trade and industry laws

In addition, violators risk suspension of operations in the Philippines.

Illegal activities can be reported to the DTI’s Office of the Special Mission on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, Their Devices and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV).

Consumers with complaints regarding e-cigarette products may register and file through the DTI’s ConsumerCare system (ConsumerCare.dti.gov.ph).