Philippines’ DTI Proposes Mandatory Advertising Permits for Vape Products

Dec.08

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

References:

[1] DTI drafts policy requiring permit for all vape sales, promotion material

Also Read:

[1] Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges

[2] Philippine police seize illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes worth USD 206,400, arrest four suspects

[3] PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in the Philippines, Debuts via Official Stores and Online Channels

[4] Philippine DOH Calls for Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Surging Youth Use

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Malaysia CID Endorses Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Rising Drug-Laced Vape Cases

Malaysia’s Federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has voiced support for a nationwide ban on vaping, particularly targeting drug-laced vape devices, to address rising abuse cases.

Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Special Report | Anti-Vaping Campaign in the Baltics Goes Sideways

2Firsts analyzes vaping regulations across the Baltic states. Following Latvia’s flavor ban, tax revenues fell and the black market expanded, while similar measures in Estonia and Lithuania have also failed to deliver results. The region’s anti-vaping policies are now triggering market imbalance and policy reassessment.

Oct.13

Singapore tightens vape enforcement, mandates rehab for etomidate users

Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reported that from Sep 1 to Oct 12, 1,339 people were caught for vape-related offences, including 102 found in possession of etomidate-laced vapes.

Oct.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Mexico moves to advance reforms regulating e-cigarettes and vapes

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies Health Committee is expected to vote next week on reforms to the General Health Law that would regulate the prohibition, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and certain toxic substances, including fentanyl. Lawmakers from Morena insist the legislation must avoid loopholes and resist pressure from the tobacco industry.