Philippines National Tobacco Agency Supports Tobacco Inclusion in Anti-Smuggling Act

Mar.28.2023
Philippines National Tobacco Agency Supports Tobacco Inclusion in Anti-Smuggling Act
The Philippines Tobacco Authority supports adding tobacco to the Anti-Smuggling Act of 2016 to combat illegal tobacco trade.

According to reports, the National Tobacco Authority (NTA) of the Philippines has expressed support for including tobacco in the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.


The Philippine Congress has two proposals - House Bill 3917 and Senate Bill 1812. Both bills aim to amend sections 3 and 4 of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law, outlining the crops covered by the law and the penalties for smuggling.


The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has expressed its support for proposed measures aimed at curbing tobacco and agricultural smuggling in the Philippines. The NTA stated that it stands together with supporters of these measures, as they will provide solutions to these pressing issues.


The proposed measures against illegal tobacco smuggling aim to protect the local tobacco industry and maintain government revenue. According to the National Tobacco Administration (NTA), tobacco is a high-value crop that contributes taxes for education, healthcare, and infrastructure.


According to the National Tobacco Association, the tobacco industry is one of the strongest pillars of the country's economy and a vital lifeline for the northern region, providing livelihoods for at least two million people, including 600,000 tobacco farmers and their families.


References:


The Philippine industry group has suggested that tobacco products be added to the country's anti-smuggling act.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Consultation opens for Tasmania’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026
Consultation opens for Tasmania’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026
Consultation opened on February 6, 2026 for the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026. The Bill intends to address illicit trade in tobacco, nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, which has increased significantly across Tasmania in recent years. It proposes changes to the Public Health Act 1997 to further protect the health of Tasmanians by reducing the sale and supply of illicit tobacco, vaping and other products, and to strengthen existing tobacco control laws.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canadian consumer advocacy group I Want My Pouches announced its launch during National Non-Smoking Week, calling for straightforward, consistent and practical adult access to nicotine pouches.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Chinese vape exports to the U.S. jumped from about 2.2 million kg in June to 14.8 million kg in October 2025, despite tougher enforcement, the Washington Examiner reported. 2Firsts finds the surge reflects delayed bulk shipments, not demand recovery. With U.S. inventory exceeding 160 million devices and distributors paying ~10% upfront, cash-flow stress has shifted to Chinese manufacturers, and discounted stock is spilling into other markets.
Dec.14 by Echo Duo
British American Tobacco to close South Africa cigarette plant by end-2026, citing illicit trade squeezing legal market
British American Tobacco to close South Africa cigarette plant by end-2026, citing illicit trade squeezing legal market
British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) said it will halt local production of factory-made cigarettes and close its manufacturing plant in Heidelberg, Gauteng by the end of 2026, shifting to an import-led supply model. The company said illicit cigarettes now account for about 75% of South Africa’s market, making local manufacturing “unsustainable” and putting around 230 jobs at risk.
Jan.16
JT launches limited-edition Ploom AURA front panels; two go on sale, three offered via prize draw
JT launches limited-edition Ploom AURA front panels; two go on sale, three offered via prize draw
Japan Tobacco (JT) has rolled out an Ichiro Yamaguchi collaboration under its Ploom AURA “SENSATIONAL” campaign, using a combined marketing push—limited sales, a prize draw, video content distribution and in-store displays—to release five front panels and two branded accessories. Two panels will go on sale from Jan. 27, while the remaining panels and accessories will be distributed through a draw running from Jan. 19 to Feb. 28.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observation | Element Vape Launches “Made in USA” Section as Product Pages Show “Assembled in USA” and “Made in USA” Labels
2Firsts Observation | Element Vape Launches “Made in USA” Section as Product Pages Show “Assembled in USA” and “Made in USA” Labels
Element Vape, a U.S. online vaping retailer, uses origin labels such as “Made in USA” and “Assembled in USA” across disposable vape product pages and a dedicated collection page, grouping items under “Made in USA Disposable Vapes,” but the platform does not disclose on its public pages the applicable standards or evidentiary basis for these different claims.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai