According to the Daily Tribune's report on October 20, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines recently approved the certification application of an e-cigarette company. In response, the health advocacy organization Safevape PH is calling on practitioners and stakeholders in the e-cigarette industry to comply with government registration requirements and to pay duties and taxes as required.
Recently, the Ministry of Commerce's Office of Special Tasks for the Vaporization of Nicotine and Nicotine Products (OSMV) approved the certification application of Guangdong Boopower Industry Co. Ltd. (GBPI) and its local agent, One Tech Ventures OPC.
The company stated, "We are pleased to announce that we have obtained the PS license certificate, ensuring that our products meet the highest quality and safety standards. This certificate represents our commitment to excellence and determination to provide customers with the best products. Trust in our products, trust in our brand.
Safevape Philippines pointed out that the fact that GBPI successfully obtained a license contradicts claims by some suppliers that the certification process is complex and leads to illegal operations. The organization responded to reports of difficulties faced by e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors, and importers in complying with regulations, especially in obtaining the Philippine Standard (PS) quality or safety marks from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Import Commodity Clearance mark.
According to Republic Act No. 11900, manufacturers or importers must register their products and obtain a business license. Additionally, they must adhere to packaging standards and pay the required customs duties and taxes. The e-cigarette law provides manufacturers, distributors, and importers with an 18-month transition period to comply with the regulations.
Safevape PH stated in a press release that the case of GBPI clearly shows that obtaining a license certificate from the Special Task Office is not impossible. Like other regulatory agencies, the Special Task Office requires applicants to submit all necessary documentation requirements before certification and issuance of the license.
At the same time, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines is actively cracking down on illegal retailers and distributors to prevent e-cigarette smugglers from bringing products into the country. The BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. stated that despite numerous warnings, illegal e-cigarette transactions continue to be rampant, leading to regular surprise inspections and product seizures by authorities.
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