DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles answering questions from reporters in Makati City (Dexter Barro II/MANILA BULLETIN)

Vape products that are unable to register for a Philippine Standard (PS) license or an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) will no longer be allowed entry to the country starting June 5, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles gave this message on Tuesday, May 28, during an ambush interview with reporters following a forum on the illicit trade of tobacco products in Makati City.

“June 5, 2024 po, wala na pong vape na makakapasok sa Pilipinas na walang PS license yung manufacturer or walang ICC,” said Nograles.

(On June 5, 2024, no manufacturer of vape products can enter the Philippines without a PS license or ICC.)

She said unregistered vape products that are still in inventory by the deadline will be allowed to be sold to consumers, until supplies last.

However, by Jan. 5, 2025, the DTI will officially implement market clearing to dispose of all unregistered vape products that are still available.

Currently, vape products without a PS license or ICC are only allowed entry if the manufacturer applies for confirmation of exemption with the DTI, which would exempt them from the registration process.

According to Nograles, the DTI is also on the lookout for vape products that are designed like toys, which make them enticing for children.

Citing Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, she said the department will confiscate these items with specific penalties meted out to violators.

Furthermore, Nograles said the DTI is also on high alert against marijuana-infused vapes.

“Sa kasalukuyan, sa pag-iikot natin sa mga monitoring enforcement ‘pag may nahuli tayo immediately refer agad yan sa PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency),” she said.

(Currently, in our rounds of monitoring enforcement, when we catch something, we immediately refer it to the PDEA.)