Philippines Considers Banning Sale of Unregistered Disposables

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Mar.06.2024

Philippines Considers Banning Sale of Unregistered Disposables

Philippine Finance Minister Ralph Recto proposed banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes due to safety and tax concerns.

According to a report by Filipino media outlet Gmanetwork GMA, on March 4th, Filipino Finance Minister Ralph Recto proposed the sale of disposable e-cigarettes in the Philippines. He stated that most of these products are unregistered.

I believe we should ban the sale of disposable e-cigarette products. The vast majority, if not all, of disposable e-cigarette products are not registered with the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines) and have not paid consumption taxes.

However, Rekto revealed that he has not yet informed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) about the recommendation to ban disposable e-cigarettes. The agency is responsible for regulating e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products.

We do not know if these unregulated products are safe. They are not taxed and attract minors to purchase them.

Rekto stated that if disposable e-cigarette manufacturers fully comply with their tax obligations, the selling price of their devices should not be lower than 3000 pesos (53.57 US dollars) each. Currently, disposable e-cigarettes are being sold online for prices ranging from 120 pesos (2.14 US dollars) to 430 pesos (7.68 US dollars) each.

References:

[1] Recto eyes ban on disposable vapes

Also Read:

[1] Philippines Implements Stricter Regulations on Selling E-Cigarettes to Minors

[2] Philippine Government Plans to Establish E-Cigarette Certification Program

[3] Rethinking the Philippines' E-Cigarette Law: Manila Standard Editorial

[4] Philippine Health Minister Calls for Action to Restrict Youth Access to E-Cigarettes in the Philippines

[5] Philippine Health Secretary Urges Police to Regulate Underage E-cigarette Use

[6] Calls for Health Minister to Strictly Enforce Regulations on E-cigs in the Philippines

[7] Philippine Congress Investigates E-cigarette Brand for Tax Evasion

#Legislation #Asia #Disposable e-cigarettes #Philippines #Regulation

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