According to The Philippine Business and News on May 28, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its crackdown on illegal e-cigarette products. Between January and May 2025, DTI seized ₱41.2 million (around $740,000) worth of unregistered nicotine and non-nicotine vapes.
In an official statement, the DTI deemed these products unsafe for public use and warned both physical and online retailers to comply with regulations or face strict penalties. Violations include missing tax stamps, lack of Philippine Standard (PS) certification marks, and incorrect health warnings—raising serious public health concerns.
Many confiscated products were deliberately packaged to appeal to minors, featuring fruit flavors, cartoons, and candy-like branding—clear violations of Republic Act No. 11900, the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
The operation was led by the DTI’s Office of the Special Mission on Vaporized Products (OSMV), in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine National Police.
In addition to physical seizures, the DTI reported the removal of over 104 million online violations—including web pages, posts, and listings—across major e-commerce and social media platforms. The department flagged 628 non-compliant businesses, issued 385 legal notices, and suspended 10 vape brands from trading.
Violators of RA 11900 face steep fines and potential imprisonment. Penalties include:
For packaging and labeling violations (Section 4):
·First offense: ₱2 million fine, up to 2 years in prison
·Second offense: ₱4 million fine, up to 4 years
·Third offense: ₱5 million fine, up to 6 years or license revocation
For marketing to minors (Section 12):
First offense: ₱100,000 fine
Second offense: ₱200,000 fine
Third offense: ₱400,000 fine, up to 3 years in prison, and possible license revocation
DTI urged all vape retailers, manufacturers, and distributors to fully comply with RA 11900 to avoid legal consequences and protect consumers—especially youth—from harmful and counterfeit products.
