Philippines

Philippines Mandates Safety Certification for Nicotine Pouches, Gives Industry 12 Months to Comply
The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry has placed nicotine pouches under mandatory product certification through Department Administrative Order No. 26-07, Series of 2026. Nicotine pouches must obtain a Philippine Standard, or PS, license before they can be manufactured, imported, packed, distributed or sold in the country. The regime requires testing for nicotine content, pH and water activity, while packaging must disclose nicotine strength, ingredients, allergens, batch information, the PS certification mark and prescribed health warnings. Existing market participants have a 12-month transition period to comply.
Regulations
Oct.12

Philippine Congress Passes Bill on Tobacco and E-cigarette Tax Adjustments
House approves bill to rationalize tobacco and e-cigarette taxes, aiming to increase rates every two years starting 2026.
Feb.08

BIR to Intensify Enforcement Against Illegal E-cigarette and Cigarette Trading
BIR to intensify enforcement against illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes in 2025, responding to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s remarks.
Feb.08

Philippine Bureau of Customs Destroys Smuggled E-Cigarettes Worth 580,000 USD
BOC destroys $58,000 worth of smuggled e-cigarettes at NAIA to enforce public health measures, violating Philippine laws.
Jan.27

BIR Plans More Lawsuits Against Illegal E-Cigarette Traders in 2025
BIR to file more lawsuits against illegal e-cigarette importers and distributors in the Philippines by 2025.
Jan.23

Philippine Government Exceeds 2024 Fiscal Revenue Target with Surplus
Philippine government exceeds fiscal revenue target in 2024, thanks to increased tax and non-tax revenue, DOF data shows.
Jan.21

Philippines Considers Unified Tax Rate for Nicotine Products
DOF proposes unified tax rate on all nicotine products in Philippines to simplify taxation management, amid concerns of tax avoidance.
Jan.17

Philippine Senator calls for stricter regulation of tobacco and e-cigarette industry
Philippine Senator Pia Cayetano calls for stricter regulation of tobacco and e-cigarette industries, urging a unified stance on public health issues.
Jan.17
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