Philippines' DTI Reaffirms New Rules: E-Cigarette Products Must Hold PS Certification, Violators Face Heavy Penalties

Jan.14.2025
Philippines' DTI Reaffirms New Rules: E-Cigarette Products Must Hold PS Certification, Violators Face Heavy Penalties
Philippines DTI mandates all nicotine and non-nicotine aerosol products to obtain PS license by Dec 31, 2024, under RA 11900.

On January 14th, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines announced on its official website that all nicotine-based and non-nicotine aerosol products must obtain a valid Philippine Standard (PS) license by December 31, 2024, in accordance with Administrative Orders 22-06 and 24-02 of 2022 and 2024, respectively.


These certifications requirements apply to all relevant products that are imported, distributed, and sold in online platforms, digital markets, and physical stores in the Philippines. The supplementary technical regulations have been clarified in Administrative Order No. 24-11 of 2024, which covers the products mentioned in the said administrative order.


Manufacturers, importers, and distributors who fail to obtain certification on time will be in violation of Republic Act No. 11900, specifically Article 18, known as the "Regulation of Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Aerosol Products Law." According to Articles 18 and 19, only officially registered aerosol nicotine and non-nicotine products, as well as their devices or new tobacco products, are allowed to be sold, advertised, or distributed in any way.


Failure to comply with these certification requirements will result in the following penalties under RA 11900 section 23(c):


The first violation will result in a fine of 100,000 Philippine pesos (1700 USD); the second violation will result in a fine of 200,000 Philippine pesos (3500 USD); and the third violation will result in a fine of 400,000 Philippine pesos (7000 USD) and may face up to 3 years in prison or both. In addition, violators may have their business permits and licenses revoked or cancelled.


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