Philippines Tax Bureau Requires E-Cigarette Merchants to Register

Jan.12.2023
Philippines Tax Bureau Requires E-Cigarette Merchants to Register
Philippines requires e-cigarette businesses to register to avoid future consequences, with penalty charges and imprisonment for non-compliance.

According to a report by the Manila Bulletin, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines has requested that e-cigarette vendors register their businesses to avoid potentially serious consequences in the future.


Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr has announced that businesses who do not comply with income regulations will face criminal tax evasion charges. This follows tax evasion charges against five major e-cigarette importers and distributors, totaling over 1 billion Philippine pesos (approximately 120 million yuan).


According to the law, first-time offenders will face a fine of 2 million Philippine pesos (approximately 250,000 yuan) and a maximum of two years in prison. Second-time offenders will face a fine of 4 million Philippine pesos (approximately 490,000 yuan) and a maximum of four years in prison. Third-time offenders will face a fine of 5 million Philippine pesos (approximately 620,000 yuan) and a maximum of six years in prison. Foreign citizens who violate the law will be immediately deported after serving an appropriate sentence.


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.

Virginia Seeks to Dismiss E-Cigarette Ban Challenge, Citing Lack of Legal Standing
Virginia Seeks to Dismiss E-Cigarette Ban Challenge, Citing Lack of Legal Standing
The Virginia Attorney General and tax commissioner have urged a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on unapproved e-cigarettes, arguing that the companies behind the suit lack legal standing since their products are federally illegal. The state contends the plaintiffs, Novo Distro Inc. and Tobacco Hut and Vape Fairfax Inc., have no lawful right to sell unapproved vapes and cannot show irreparable harm.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Opinion | Samrat Chowdhery: Tobacco Price Elasticity—A Convenient Myth?
Opinion | Samrat Chowdhery: Tobacco Price Elasticity—A Convenient Myth?
This opinion piece, submitted by Samrat Chowdhery to 2Firsts, challenges the logic of tobacco price elasticity. It argues that high taxes often harm vulnerable populations and fuel illicit markets rather than reducing smoking.
Oct.21
Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges
Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently seized around PHP 250,000 (approximately USD 4,250) worth of smuggled and unregistered vape devices and liquids—about 800 items in total—from two stores in Manila. Authorities said the devices could be modified to discreetly consume cannabinoids and other illegal drugs, and that those involved will face charges under the Philippines’ Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and the Consumer Act.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban
France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban
France’s National Assembly Finance Committee voted to oppose the government’s plan in Article 23 of the 2026 budget bill to tax vaping products at €0.30/10mL for low-nicotine liquids and €0.50/10mL for others (with typical bottles priced €5–€7). Lawmakers arguing against the tax said vaping is less harmful than combustible cigarettes and can aid cessation; others warned of a gateway effect for youth and sustained nicotine dependence.
Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Selangor preparing regulatory policy that may gradually prohibit vape use
Selangor preparing regulatory policy that may gradually prohibit vape use
Selangor is drafting a policy paper outlining its regulatory direction for electronic cigarette products, including the possibility of gradually prohibiting vape use. The move aligns with the Tobacco Product Control Act for Public Health 2023 (Act 852) and aims to strengthen enforcement and youth health education.
Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2025 China Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises List: 13 E-cigarette Companies Include
2025 China Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises List: 13 E-cigarette Companies Include
Shenzhen e-commerce companies dominate 2025 Top 500 list, including 13 e-cigarette businesses. Shenzhen FirstUnion Tech climbs 57 spots.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai