Philippines’ DTI Proposes Mandatory Advertising Permits for Vape Products

Dec.08.2025
Philippines’ DTI Proposes Mandatory Advertising Permits for Vape Products
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released a draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) seeking public feedback on a new permitting system for advertising and promoting vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.

Key highlights

 

  • All vape ads and promotional campaigns require DTI approval via AP or SPP.
  • Applications must be filed separately and at least 30 days before publication.
  • Physical stores must be at least 100 meters away from youth-frequented areas.
  • Online platforms must deploy strict age-verification systems.
  • Health Secretary Ted Herbosa criticized vape ads claiming to be safer than cigarettes.

 


 

2Firsts, December 8, 2025 – The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has called for public feedback on a proposed policy introducing a mandatory permitting system for vape advertising and promotion.

 

The draft Department Administrative Order (DAO), developed by the Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV), requires all vape-related advertisements and promotions to secure either an Advertisement Permit (AP) or a Sales Promotion Permit (SPP) prior to release.

 

Applications must be filed at least 30 days before publication and include notarized forms, certificates of registration, business permits, and the list of products to be promoted. Physical stores must submit certification proving they are not within a 100-meter walkable distance from schools, playgrounds, or facilities frequented by minors.

 

Under the draft, an SPP costs ₱1,000 (≈ USD 18), while AP fees vary by geographic area and campaign scale. Online platforms must include age-gating mechanisms, requiring users to self-declare they are at least 18 years old before viewing vape-related content.

 

This move strengthens the Vape Law (RA No. 11900), following repeated calls from Health Secretary Ted Herbosa for a national vape ban and stricter oversight of advertisements appealing to minors.

 

Image source: DTI

 

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