The government is exploring the option of prohibiting disposable vapes in the country due to their unregulated sales, tax evasion, and significant health risks, especially among young Filipinos. 

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that they are keeping a close watch on retailers, including online marketplaces, that are selling unregistered disposable vape products and may impose penalties.

"They can face penalties under the vape law," Recto said, referring to Republic Act 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. “We’re are looking at it.”

Recto revealed that the vast majority, if not all, of the disposable vapes sold locally lack registration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and do not comply with tax requirements set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“I think we should ban disposable vape products. Most, if not all, disposable vape products are unregistered with the DTI and do not pay excise taxes,” he added.

Disposable vapes are non-rechargeable devices that come precharged and pre-filled with e-liquid, eliminating the need for recharging or refilling until they are fully consumed. 

However, these devices are still subject to "six taxes," with a mandated excise tax of P52 per milliliter for nicotine salt/salt-freebase used in disposable vapes.

Many disposable vapes are advertised to last up to 9,500 puffs, equivalent to an estimated 950 regular cigarettes or 47 packs. 

For tax alone, a pack of traditional cigarettes is currently subject to a P63 excise tax. A quick search on a leading online marketplace revealed that disposable vapes are being sold for prices ranging from only P122.37 to P439.14 per device.

Recto estimated that if disposable vape manufacturers fully comply with tax obligations, the selling price of their devices should not fall below P3,000 each.

“[Disposable vapes] should not be sold for less than probably P3,000,” Recto calculated. 

In addition to tax non-compliance, Recto said that disposable vape products are purposely designed to appeal to minors, potentially luring them into the habit of vaping.

When examined the images of disposable vapes available for purchase online, one can see that they are packaged in colorful and appealing designs that bear a resemblance to toys.

"We don’t know if it’s safe being unregulated. They do not pay taxes and are sold/appeal to minors,” the finance chief said.

Recto, however, stated that he has yet to inform the DTI, the agency responsible for regulating vapes and other new tobacco products, about his proposal to ban disposable vapes.

Last January, there were reports that the United Kingdom was also planning to ban disposable vapes as a part of its initiative to combat the growing prevalence of youth vaping.